There are already too many wearable fitness-tracking devices available to keep track of with even more on the horizon, but for anyone using Windows Phone the number of options was still limited. That was partially Microsoft’s fault due to some gaps in its Bluetooth LE support, but now anyone running Windows Phone 8.1 should be able to take advantage of Fitbit’s fitness tracking technology. Fitbit’s Windows Phone app works just like it does on iOS and Android, though it also adds support for Microsoft’s Live Tile interface with quick notifications right on the homescreen. Beyond that, you get real-time fitness stats, graphs to help track your progress, nutritional data for watching your diet, and social features for competing and working with friends and family.
We’ve just lost yet another excuse to put off getting into shape: Fitbit is coming to Windows Phone 8.1 devices. The app is near-identical to its iOS and Android incarnations: pair your smartphone over Bluetooth with a Fitbit device like the Flex or the One, and your data will sync automatically. You can then use the app to monitor progress on your fitness goals by checking in on the steps you’ve taken and the calories you’ve burned, or log how much food and water you’ve had today. You’ll also be able to adjust the personal goals you’ve set (or create new ones), send messages to Fitbit-toting friends, and check out achievement badges and leaderboards to keep yourself motivated with a bit of old-fashioned competition. Things have been looking up for Windows Phone users — in just the last few weeks, both Adobe Photoshop Express and on-demand car service Uber have made their debuts as native apps. That doesn’t exactly signal the end to the platform’s app drought, but it does give anyone who might be interested in giving a Windows Phone a try some hope that the apps they’d like to use will be there. You can grab the app for your Windows Phone 8.1 device later today from the Windows Phone store — it’s free and available worldwide in English, with additional languages to come later this year.