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The Latest Breaking News from Michael Hicks

I'm never wearing a smartwatch to sleep again

An old Android Central poll found that two-thirds of our readers "usually" wear a smartwatch for sleep tracking. For the remaining one-third who find this uncomfortable, let me point you to a smart ring instead. Trust me, it's transformative.

Android Central

Google had its LLM murder itself in Werewolf to test its AI smarts

Google's Large Language Model took on different personas and played the popular party game, either against other AIs or with human players. The results show how far the chatbot technology has to go, but showed promise.

Android Central

This VR dev veteran has thoughts on the four 'killer apps' that the Quest 3 and Vision Pro need

I attended a "future of mixed reality" panel held by Jesse Schell, the head of Schell Games, and he has a clear vision for which apps will help mixed reality break out — and it's very different from virtual reality.

Android Central

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GDC 2024: Google's vision for AI 'living games' sounds awful, but inevitable

You've lived through the era of "live service games" like Fortnite and Destiny 2. Now, Google thinks "living games" will replace them in a few years, with GenAI listening to and responding to gamers' needs automatically so developers aren't needed beyond supervision.

Android Central

I'd swap my Garmin Forerunner 965 for this much cheaper smartwatch in a heartbeat — if it weren't for one thing

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the best running watch out there, but it also has tools that most people (myself included) probably don't need. The Forerunner 165 would suit people a lot better — if Garmin didn't strategically cripple it.

Android Central

I tested the Garmin Forerunner 165 against the two best cheap fitness trackers

Most high-quality fitness watches cost well above $300. I compared the $249 Garmin Forerunner 165, $229 COROS PACE 3, and $159 Fitbit Charge 6 to see how they compare for steps, heart rate, GPS accuracy, and other metrics. Here's what I learned!

Android Central

This wearable for pro athletes has me rethinking my whole approach to fitness training

Your smartwatch tells you your skin temperature during sleep, but isn't good enough to tell you if you're overly hot (or not warm enough) during fitness training. But wearing this CORE Body Temperature Sensor, I'm on my way to training more efficiently.

Android Central

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OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 6: Both built to last, but in different ways

We break down where the OnePlus Watch 2 wins (style, battery life, GPS data, and more) and where the Galaxy Watch 6 wins (comfort, displays, navigation, health sensors, and more).

Android Central

These are the most important features hikers need on their smartwatch

Hikers need a watch that ensures you'll never get lost, or you can call for help if you do. These are my favorite brands and the things they do better than their rivals.

Android Central

I never expected to love the Apple Watch Ultra 2 so much, and now I'm in trouble

I've tested the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the past few months, and it's changed what I want from smartwatches. Worse, it's made me a fan of the squircle.

Android Central

I wore five smartwatches to Mount Diablo's peak. These brands were best for elevation accuracy

Once again, I wore way too many smartwatches to help you figure out which watches will give you accurate results when it comes to your next trail hike or climb.

Android Central

Samsung's most intriguing fitness tech of 2024 isn't Galaxy Ring or Watch 7 — it's Galaxy AI

Samsung has slacked on fitness since the days of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, but its 2024 lineup is full of fitness tech, new AI tricks to make their health results more reliable, and the potential for even bigger changes.

Android Central

Garmin made some epic feature updates while you were distracted by CES

Some long-requested features like the ability to undo accidental lap presses or switch from one sport to the next automatically are now available, if you're willing to download the beta.

Android Central

Those annoying smartwatch move alerts will save your life. Only one brand gets them right.

All of the medical studies show that standing every hour doesn't actually counterbalance the serious issues with sitting for eight hours a day. You need to actually move throughout the day, and only one fitness brand pushes you to do that.

Android Central

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Android Central

Lenovo should've used ChromeOS instead of Windows with its latest hybrid device

Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid has an obnoxious name, but besides running Windows, it's the perfect multi-OS device. Now, I just have to hope for a version to be released with ChromeOS.

Android Central

First 14 things to do with your new Fitbit

If you bought a new Fitbit and aren't sure how to take full advantage of it and the new app, we're here to help you get started.

Android Central

Lenovo combined a Windows laptop and Android tablet into one epic device — and I've tested it

Lenovo gave Android Central an hour to test its ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, a detachable laptop/tablet with both Windows 11 and Android 13. And while it's not perfect, it's not nearly as gimmicky as you might think.

Android Central

Garmin needs to make its indoor workouts as compelling as its outdoor ones

Garmin is the only brand we know of that tracks individual exercise moves like push-ups or deadlifts, with thousands of options. But it doesn't do nearly enough with this concept.

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Android Central

Only one Android phone could tempt my partner to switch from an iPhone

Back in 2021, I switched from iOS to Android to see which I preferred. This December, I gave my partner the one Android foldable that might make her switch too, but it was a more difficult battle.

Android Central

What I want to see from smartwatches and wearables in 2024

Get ready for the AI watch wars, an explosion of smart rings and glasses, and a make-or-break moment for brands like Fitbit that need a real win to stay in the wearables game.

Android Central

Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5: Should you upgrade?

The Charge 6 offers a few key upgrades over the Charge 5, but if they're enough for you will depend on whether or not you liked the last-gen fitness tracker — because they're basically twins.

Android Central

In 2023, smartwatches tried to become fitness watches and vice versa

Google, Apple, and Samsung all tried to brew the perfect mix of smarts, health tracking, and fitness tools, while dedicated fitness brands tried to add mainstream smarts.

Android Central

Michael Hicks' Top 10 of 2023

Our senior wearables editor looks back on the highs and lows of his year with Android Central, from step tests to attempted cat-murder.

Android Central

A decade later, Zombies, Run! and its new Marvel Move expansion are as great as ever

Whether you're a new or experienced runner, Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move are two great tools for keeping you distracted, entertained, and motivated.

Android Central

Beefy Garmin Venu 3 update adds skin temperature, glucose watch face, and more

Garmin ends 2023 on a high note by making some major upgrades to the Venu 3, Vivoactive 5, Forerunner 255/265/955/965, and all of the high-end Fenix and Epix watches, starting with skin temperature readings.

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