On the same day that Fitbit announced a new lineup of personal trackers, the Fitbit for Windows Phone app has received its first major update since being launched this summer. The update, which is available now in the Windows Phone Store, brings a load of improvements to the app along with integration to Cortana. What is evident in this release is that Microsoft and Fitbit have worked very closely together on this release and it effectively brings the app to the same level of the iOS and Android versions of the app.
The two big updates in the app are around SensorCore support and Cortana. SensorCore, which is in some Lumia devices, will track your motion when your phone is in your pocket. This is similar to the Motion Processor that you find in iPhones today. In the Fitbit for Windows Phone app, it will use the SensorCore information to track your steps and distance without having to actually wear a Fitbit tracker. If you want more in depth inforatnion such as calories burned, active minutes and sleep you will need to use a tracker.
Fitbit for Windows Phone – Free – Download Now
The second big feature is Cortana. This is for the US market only for now as it is still in beta (as is Cortana itself) but it will allow
Fitbit for Windows Phone Challenges
you to log foods and set alarms by simply speaking to the app. Further integration later in the app promises to bring the ability to log other activities.
You can also now compete with friends using the Challenges now included in the Fitbit app. This has until now been only a iOS and Android feature and allows you to compete against others Fitbit users in daily or weekly challenges. Background sync and push notifications have also come to the app for a more robust user experience.
There are also some fixes from the original release including improved sync and battery life indicator on your tracker.
Fitbit for Windows Phone – Free – Download Now
