Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
Google Pixel 9a review: The Energizer Pixel
It keeps going... The Pixel 9a has cutbacks to on-device AI, cameras, and charging that you'll gladly accept in exchange for its epic battery life and $300 discount.
A look into Google's Android XR strategy and its big gaming push
VR vision Google execs ran through their plans to make Android XR relevant after its notorious history with Google Glass and Daydream.
Meta and Google made big promises at AWE, but AR glasses' future is still messy
AWE 2025 Everyone at Augmented World Expo, shockingly, believes AR glasses will take off. But Google, Meta, and other XR brands disagree on how it'll happen.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Classic leaks, One UI 8 Watch, Gemini, & more
Classic redux It appears the Galaxy Watch 8 will bring back the Classic design, stick with a similar battery size, and add new health AI tools.
Garmin Forerunner 970's running tolerance tool is too useful to be a 'premium' feature
Sunday Runday Garmin gave the Forerunner 970 running tolerance to make it appealing to serious runners, but casual runners need this feature a lot more.
Best of AWE 2025: The most promising XR gadgets from Niantic, Sony, Android XR, and more
AWE 2025 This XR event proved that VR headsets and smart glasses are about to improve by leaps and bounds over the current tech.
I've tested all of Samsung's smartwatches and these are the 6 best picks in 2025
Galactic greatness The best Samsung watch is normally the Galaxy Watch 7, but you may want a Classic bezel, Ultra battery, or last-gen prices.
Google Pixel Watch 3 review: Our favorite smartwatch
Running towards the goal The Google Pixel Watch 3 fixes most of its predecessor's woes and is packed with Wear OS tricks. It's imperfect, but trending in the right direction.
WatchOS 26 and Wear OS 6 take different approaches to the same problems
Wear OS Weekly From stolen tricks to cool (and terrible) ideas, watchOS 26 is an interesting foil to what Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch will offer.
We've never seen a Garmin watch like the ultra-thin Venu X1; these are the highlights
Surprise option Garmin has made an Apple Watch Ultra lookalike and Fenix 8 alternative that's much lighter, longer-lasting, and better for training features.
Qualcomm's new on-device AI chip could change smart glasses forever
AWE 2025 Smart glasses are about to get much less reliant on your phone for AI queries, thanks to Qualcomm's new Snapdragon AR1+ chip.
Best Samsung tablet 2025
Options galore Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.
Cool Pixel Watch features keep trickling in from the Wear OS 6 dev code
Hidden depths Wear OS 6 is already public, but there are some unrevealed features in the developer preview that have us intrigued, like adaptive charging.
I ran a half marathon with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, here's how it went
Sunday Runday I usually only wear my Ray-Ban meta glasses in casual settings, not during workouts. As much as I like them, my running experience reminded me why.
Marvel's Deadpool VR hands-on: Bloody combat, tricky swordplay, and niche comic baddies
Merc with a Mouth Summer Games Fest just unveiled a premiere trailer for Deadpool VR, but I already tried out a hands-on demo of the game, and it's a blast.
The more features Samsung Health gets, the more I dread the inevitable AI subscription
Wear OS Weekly With all the official and leaked info about upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 features, I suspect a Samsung Health subscription will arrive soon after.
Google Gemini AI: 2.5 Pro, Live, features, connected apps, and more
Google AI From Gemini 2. Pro to Nano and Live, this guide will break down every Gemini version and how to best use them.
Garmin has patented long-term blood glucose tracking; here's how it'd work
Blood glucose Garmin watches already pair with Dexcom for indirect blood glucose monitoring. This patent shows how Garmin watches could directly help diabetics.
Best Wear OS watch 2025
Wear this If you want a feature-packed and stylish Wear OS watch, you have plenty of options from manufacturers such as Samsung, Google, Mobvoi, and more.
Google Pixel Watch 3: Specs, features, and buyer's guide
Third time charmer From specs to current and upcoming Wear OS features, this Google Pixel Watch 3 buyer's guide will explain everything new and prospective buyers should know!
HMD Global is reportedly making a Wear OS watch with a camera
Android vet, watch newbie A leaker claims the HMD Rubber 1 will have a built-in 2MP camera and 1.85-inch OLED display, possibly targeting younger users.
Best fitness watch of 2025
Time to get fit There are fitness bands — and then there are smartwatches. But some smartwatches can pull double duty in the fitness space too. These are the best ones.
People have waited years for a 'Garmin sleep band.' Will Garmin get it right?
Garmin v. Whoop A "Garmin sleep band" would fill a niche that long-time Garmin watch owners have waited years for, but will Garmin emulate Whoop in the worst ways?
