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Over the course of the last week I’ve had a chance to use and put through its paces the Lumia 635, the budget friendly entry Windows Phone from Nokia.  I have to admit that when I first got it, I wasn’t sure what to expect given the low price point of £119.99 but as I indicated in my first impressions, I have nothing but good things to say about this Windows Phone.  It snappy and the display is excellent and if there is only one knock on it it would be the low end 5MP camera.  But it isn’t terrible – I’ve seen far worse.  If you are looking for a solid phone at a great price, look no further than the Lumia 635.

Like iOS and Android, Windows Phone gives you the ability to easily install applications from the device itself, not requiring that you connect it to your PC or Mac.  So in that sense, no big deal right? It is known Khaleesi.  But there is one trick that Windows Phone has that sets it apart.  You can install apps even when your Windows Phone is in another room or maybe even sitting at home while you are in the office.  And these installs are done without any intervention by you.  It is just another way that Microsoft has made Windows Phone easy but you have to make sure your Windows Phone is set up to handle these remote installs.  I’ll show you in this how to what you need to adjust to make it happen.

If you know me or have followed me here or on AlliOSNews for any amount of time you know that I’m a big fan of Fitbit.  The wearable tracker helps me keep track of my activities for the day as well an integrating into MyFitnessPal, my diet tracking app.  Back in 2009 I started a weight loss program that would see me go from 290 lbs to my current weight (as of this morning) of 191.3 lbs.  Yes there was a lot of hard work involved by Fitbit helped me without a doubt.

One of the really exciting parts aspects of Windows Phone 8.1 is Bluetooth LE which allows things, like a Fitbit, to connect to your Windows Phone and sync automatically on-the-fly.  So it only makes sense that there would now be a full fledged Fitbit for Windows Phone 8.1 app available now that takes full advantage of this update.  If you have been a Fitbit user on Android or iOS, you will feel right at home with the app on Windows Phone.  It is identical in every way and even gives you up-to-the-minute updates thanks to the Live Tile for the app.

One thing that Microsoft is doing and doing well with Windows Phone is going after the entry level market.  They have been doing this for some time and their latest offering in that space, the Lumia 635, is packed with performance for the price.  I received a unit Friday to review and having spent the majority of the weekend with it, I have to say I’m very impressed.  For the price point of this Windows Phone – £129.95 here in the UK (about $240 US) Unlocked & SIM Free – it is a very powerful Windows Phone.  Sure it lacks some of the high end features, most notably a reasonable camera with a flash, but it is still a worthy contender for those who are looking for a budget friendly Windows Phone.