My first mobile phone was a Nokia flip phone. You know the one.

I jumped into the smartphone world with the release of the iPhone from Apple in 2007 I believe. Since then I’ve found myself to be comfortable using iOS and Android.

Take a look at the infographic below to see when the first mobile network was created and how smartphones have evolved over the past 30 years.

Here’s a quick and easy way to do just that!

How to make your HTC OneX+ homescreen background a solid color: 

1. Open the Internet app on your HTC OneX or OneX+ phone and open this webpage if you are not already on your phone.

2. From the Internet app, long press on whichever color image (below) that you would like to be your homescreen color.

3. Click “Set as wallpaper” in the menu.

4. A tool will come up allowing you to choose the area of the image that you would like to be your homescreen/background image.  This is not really necessary for the solid color images.  You can just leave the tool as is.

5. Press the Save button.  That’s it!

Long-press on any of the below images to set it to be  your background.

Want to see it in action?

Here a few photos of my HTC OneX+ homescreen with solid color backgrounds:

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

Read my other posts about the HTC OneX+:

• I Made The Switch.. From an iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+! on TheMommyInsider.com
• HTC OneX+ for AT&T Review on GadgetGoddess.com
• Getting Great Photos with the HTC OneX+ on TheMommyInsider.com
• HTC OneX+ Giveaway  on TheMommyInsider.com

Learn more about HTC OneX+ on the HTC website here.

Have a question or comment about this process? Leave it in the comments below.

Note to my readers: I received a complimentary HTC OneX+ for review purposes.   As always, all opinions presented in my posts are 100% honest.

What I expect from a smartphone:

• an excellent camera and photo quality
• easy access to many downloaded apps
• the ability to organize apps quickly and easily
• quick access to dialing my most used contacts
• easy social media sharing
• a variety of apps available for the OS
• exceptional Google services integration
• the phone must ‘feel good’ in my hands
• easy music syncing
• and much more

It is difficult to compare any phone to an iPhone.  The iPhone 4S just fits.. the size, the ease of use, and the simplicity of it.  My husband and teenage son are used to me receiving phones to review and they are used to me going through a thorough review process and then I give the phone away to a lucky reader.

That’s not the case with the HTC OneX+ I received last week.   I am just as surprised as they are that I drove myself to the AT&T store to have my phone number switched from my iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+.

You did what?

You’re kidding, right?

How will I text you? (my 13-year-old son asked that not thinking that I could text without using iMessage)

These are just a few of the responses I got after telling friends and family that I switched my phone number over to an Android phone.  I answered everyone’s questions with excitement.  I feel like a kid in a candy shop.  I switched because I felt very confident that the HTC OneX+ would meet and exceed my expectations.

Don’t get me wrong, I was not unhappy with my iPhone.  I just didn’t know anything different. The last phone I had since owning iPhones was a Nokia flip phone.  All I’ve ever heard from Android users is how easy and customizable Android phones are and I was ready to experience that.

Set up and Music

I loved getting to know the HTC OneX+ and the Jelly Bean OS and HTC Sense interface combined, make the phone a breeze to set up, customize, personalize, and use even for an iPhone convert.  Within a few hours I set up all of my email and social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.), downloaded my must-have apps, adjusted the keyboard style to fit my needs, and synced my iTunes music library to the phone.  Yes, you read that right.  Through HTC Sync Manager software (free download) software that opens when you connect your phone to your PC or Mac,I transferred my iTunes music to my HTC OneX+.  That is actually what sold me on the switch.  I could not imagine not having my music library on my phone which is why I never switched to Android before.  When I learned that I could easily put my iTunes music on my HTC OneX+, it was a go!

Apps

I wasn’t crazy about the idea of having to dish out money to buy apps that I’ve already purchased on the iPhone but most of the apps that I use are free in the Google Play app store including these apps that I use almost daily:

• Hootsuite
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Gmail
• Google Chrome (try the new BETA version!)
• Pinterest
• TripleTown (my new game addiction.. thanks Grechen!)
• Evernote
• WordPress
• Foursquare
• Google Drive
• Pandora
• Google Currents
• Flipboard
• Mashable
• AdAge
• Pocket
• Aviary (great photo editor!)
• Instagram
• Amazon.com

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

Battery

The only app that I have paid for so far is JuiceDefender Plus which has made the HTC OneX+ battery last longer.   It is understandable that the battery on any smartphone that I use would die before a full day is up. I take dozens of photos, can easily send and receive over 200 texts in a day, send photos via SMS, update social media networks, read and share news via my favorite news reader apps, I and the kids may play games on it, I check several email accounts, respond to emails, take and make calls, and occasionally create and edit blog posts on my smartphone, I would not expect any phone of mine to last a full day on one charge.  In fact, I have two external chargers for my iPhone. I will probably buy one for the HTC OneX+ as well.

As you read above, I use my phone to the max.  I suspect that you do too!  You and I don’t have an extra minute to spare in the day.  We’d rather be spending it with our spouse, kids, friends, and family.  That’s why it’s important to have a fast, efficient smartphone.  The 1.7GHz quad-core processor packed into this phone makes it lighting quick.

Widgets

Widgets.  I love Widgets! I didn’t know what I was missing.  I use my phone as a clock and when I wake up in the morning in the middle of the night I look at my phone to get the time. The Weather Clock widget is the best thing since sliced bread.  I push the power button and I can see the time and weather.. big!  You can personalize your HTC OneX+ homescreen and other screens with a variety of widgets including social media streams, Chrome, calculators and more.

Speed

I compared the following between the two phones:

Each phone had above 95% battery life, both phones were on the same wifi connection, each phone has the lastest OS installed, and had no other apps open other than what I was testing, when I performed the comparisons.  This is by no means a formal speed test, but for load time comparison only.

Look and Feel – Hardware

I prefer the HTC OneX+’s easy to grip soft-touch plastic backing over the glass on the back of the iPhone 4s.  I have a more grip handle on the OneX+ than I do with the iPhone.  The OneX+ is significantly larger than the iPhone 4s, with a 4.7 inch screen which has taken some getting used to especially given that I have petite hands.  I appreciate that the viewable screen stretches closer to the edges than that on the iPhone 4S, a better use of surface real estate in my opinion.  The only issue I have with the  design of the OneX+ is that the volume buttons are practically flush with the phone casing, making them difficult to feel.

Notifications

I am used to swiping down from the top of my iPhone 4s to see notifications such as new emails, Twitter and Facebook updates.  I  can do the same with the HTC OneX+.  On the notifications screen I can see how many calls I have missed, how many new emails I have, what my battery percent is (app), how many voice mails I have, if I have new Twitter messages, and more.

Internet App and Flash Mode

I have been using Google Chrome for web browsing on my iPhone and while Chrome is available in the Google Play app store, I have found that the native Internet app on the HTC OneX+ satisfies my surfing needs.  HTC embedded full Adobe Flash support in its browser via a toggle in the context menu, an added bonus.  The “article view” button makes allows users to read and article sans ads easily with just the tap of a button.  The article view button is located to the left of the browser search bar in the Internet app.

Price

The HTC OneX+ for AT&T sells for $200 on-contract. It is an update to the earlier OneX in that it has a faster processor (1.7Ghz quad-core), a bigger battery, more storage (increased to 64GB from 32) and a newer version of Android, Jelly Bean.

Read another review of the HTC OneX+ where I discuss camera features and more.

Learn more about HTC OneX+.

1/25/13 update: Since writing this post, I have written a few more about the HTC OneX+:

• I Made The Switch.. From an iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+! on TheMommyInsider.com
• How to Set Your HTC OneX+ Homescreen Background to be a Solid Color - on GadgetGoddess.com
• Getting Great Photos with the HTC OneX+ on TheMommyInsider.com
• HTC OneX+ Giveaway  on TheMommyInsider.com

Note to my readers: I received a complimentary HTC OneX+ for purposes of this review..  As always, all opinions presented in my posts are 100% honest.

Some of the photographs featured in this post were taken on my HTC OneX+ provided by HTC.  

Qi is the global standard for wireless power and charging. With Qi, devices can be charged just by placing them on, or near, any Qi-enabled surface. Any Qi-enabled device works with any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer.

The Avalon’s wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin® lid situated in vehicle’s center console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lid’s high-friction surface.

Supplied by DENSO, the Avalon’s wireless charging system relies on technology developed by ConvenientPower and Philips Lite-on Digital Solution (PLDS), and it will elevate the high technology experience of the new Avalon sedan.

“Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota’s continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience,” said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon. “We see wireless charging as an important feature that helps enhance the high-technology theme and consumer interface offered by Avalon Limited which is already equipped with three TFT color screens and Intellitouch™ controls.”

Qi wireless charging is now integrated in 34 mobile phone models, including recent launches of the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X.  Qi-certified products range from smartphones to charging pads, gaming controllers, Blu-ray Disc recorders, smartphone docking speakers, automobile phone chargers, alarm clocks and battery packs, to charging modules that can be installed in tabletops and furniture.

The new dramatically-styled 2013 Avalon arrived in showrooms the beginning of December. This new Toyota flagship sedan features improved dynamics, an athletic exterior design, and a modern yet elegant interior that surrounds occupants with premium materials and a high level of craftsmanship.  This latest Avalon is also the first available with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that offers a combined EPA-rating of 40 mpg.

Toyota:

• Website

Action Method

Action Method

Action Method is an online app that helps you keep your to-do lists organized. You can also track and delegate tasks using this app. You can use a color code system to set which tasks are of highest priority. There are 3 colors you can use for each task. You can then use this color code system for your calendar or other lists. You need to be online to be able to access this app. If you need to keep track of your schedule while travelling, it’s better to just print a hardcopy before you leave.

This app is compatible with the iPhone and Android phones.

Sanebox

You are constantly bombarded by hundreds of emails every day. If you want to keep your email organized and your day sane, try Sanebox. It uses algorithms to set which email is important and which is not.

Evernote

As the name suggests, Evernote organizes all your notes. You can store them in the cloud and access them from any mobile device or from your laptop. You can use Evernote for both business and personal functions. You can create different notebooks according to a project/task/title/theme. Evernote is available on the iPhone and Android.

HootSuite

With HootSuite, you no longer have to visit your social media accounts one by one. You can use Facebook, Twitter, Yammer and LinkedIn all in one place. You can also auto schedule your posts to save more time. By scheduling posts, you can be sure that you have something up in each of your accounts every day.

HootSuite is compatible with both the Android and iPhone.

TripIt

TripIt is best for the frequent traveller. You can now file all your itineraries in one place. You can program TripIt to send your itinerary to whomever you wish to. If you get the Pro version, the app will alert you if there are any flight delays or gate changes.

This is available on the iPhone and Android.

miCoach

As an entrepreneur, you have to be strong and healthy to be able to tackle your daily challenges. Keeping in shape can be a challenge especially if you don’t have time to go to the gym. Download miCoach and you can have your own personal trainer. You can set different workouts according to your schedule. Buy the stride sensor and the heart rate monitor for best results.

This is compatible for both iPhone and Android.

iSleep

Finally, you need a good night’s sleep to be able to do it all again the following day. iSleep is a meditation app that helps you sleep better. Entrepreneurs say that this app is very helpful especially if you have a ton of things on your mind and you can’t sleep or if you have a bad case of jet lag.

With these apps, you can be sure to finish your work on time and have some leftover time for yourself and your loved ones.

This guest post article was brought to you by businesstelephonesystem.org, your number one source for information about business telephone systems.

Nike Training Club

Who hasn’t heard of Nike? It’s no wonder this free iPhone app is one of the most popular fitness apps downloads for iOS devices. It’s name-recognition factor boosts its profile tremendously. Fortunately, the fitness experts at Nike who were instrumental in developing this app loaded it with 60 customizable work-outs, an electronic personal trainer who prods, encourages and even instructs, and with visual demonstration mini-videos on proper performance of exercises. Stuffed with both strength and cardiovascular exercises, Nike Training Club iOS app’s $0 cost seems too good to be true. Everyday of the week, though the price and the app are just right.

Pocket Yoga

While most people think of something like Nike Training Club when thinking of fitness apps, thousands depend on yoga for strength, endurance and flexibility. Pocket Yoga offers three difficulty levels and durations and 27 do-anywhere sessions. Audio prompts help focus breathing and poses while visual aids point to posture corrections.

Made for Blackberry, Android and iOS mobile phones, Pocket Yoga comes with a price tag of $2.99.

CardioTrainer Pro

Some might consider this Android app’s price of $9.95 too steep, but to those who want mobile help loosing weight, it’s a reasonable one. Users choose six interval-training programs and 20 difficulty levels. While it cannot replace your own effort, the GPS, pedometer and several other tools included, CardioTrainer Pro easily slides into its role as an extension of the popular CardioTrainer app that is celebrating its two-year anniversary. Stay focused with audio and visual prompts and set new Personal Bests with the Race Against Yourself function.

Adidas MiCoach

For BlackBerry or iPhone users who want or need that extra touch of motivation, Adidas MiCoach is the perfect smartphone app. Like Nike’s app, above, this offers a mobile coach approach that can track your performance. Its primary difference is that it avoids “exercise routines” and, instead, offers “activities.” Instead of opting for running for miles, for instance, opt for “tennis” or “basketball” or “bike riding,” sliding “work” into “play.” Once you have chosen your “activity,” your “work-out” is then tailored to your daily goals. This app even tracks your preferred method of coaching, for no one listens to an incompatible coach for long. Using this app a time or two a week offers a nice counterpoint to your normal exercise routine, helping you stay motivated all winter long. It’s free price doesn’t hurt either.

Interval Trainer GO Matrix

This $4.99 iPhone app ensures your alternate your cardio routine for maximum benefit. Customize your work-out, your fitness level and goals, then follow the plan this app outlines. Take your basic cardiovascular workout to new levels, one interval at a time. Use this app two to three times per week and alternate with strengthening exercises, and you’ll soon see more progress and higher levels of fitness than you’d thought you see by springtime.

Written by Jaye Ryan, a freelance author who likes writing about mobile apps.

What is your favorite mobile fitness app?  Share your favorite mobile fitness apps with us in the comments below.

Nokia Lumia 710 Office and Mail applications

Is your  husband or father on the go all the time?  Whether at the office, on a business trip, or playing golf, you want to be able to get in touch with him quickly, right?

The Nokia Lumia 710 gives you many ways to communicate with your husband or Dad 24/7 365 days a year.

Here are a few Nokia Lumia 710 features Dad will love:

Nokia Lumia 710 Drive and Maps application

Text messaging is a breeze with the onscreen keyboard. The auto correct capability of this phone keeps you from worrying about making silly mistakes when texting. Dad will love that he can keep in touch with his wife and/or his kids without going back to make corrections over and over.

The Windows Marketplace has over 55,000 apps to keep Dad informed, entertained, and productive. Besides Facebook, Dad will also find, ESPN, Angry Birds, USA Today and many more fun and entertaining applications for his Nokia Lumia 710.

The 5MP camera, with LED flash, gives Dad a way to take and share beautiful photographs and can record stutter-free video.

The Twitter and Facebook apps are integrated into the Windows Phone system so sharing pictures is a snap.

With GPS navigation, Dad will always know which way to go without having to ask for directions.

Here are a few applications for the Nokia Lumia 710 that Dad will appreciate:

• VinoMatch™ Mobile Sommelier™ Food & Wine Pairing Application
• Racefan Ultimate – Dad will never need another app to keep up with what’s going on in the world of stock car racing. Get trackside for all 3 NASCAR Series: Cup, Nationwide, and Trucks.
• Kayak Free – Kayak searches 100s of travel sites to find the flight or hotel you need.

I’m sure your Dad agrees that there’s nothing like hearing your voice or the voice of his grandchild on the other end of a call.  T-Mobile’s  nationwide network ensures that calls come in crystal clear no matter where you and your Dad are.  The Nokia Lumia 710 is a great choice for staying connected with your Dad or husband.

Win a Nokia Lumia 710 for your husband or Dad (or yourself)!

Mandatory entry:
To enter to win tell me what feature of the Nokia Lumia 710 is most exciting to you or why you want to win this phone in the comments below.

Earn extra entries by doing any or all of the below:

• 2 entries - Like GadgetGoddess on Facebook
• 2 entries - Follow GadgetGoddes on Twitter
• 2 entries - Subscribe to our RSS updates
• 3 entries each time – Tweet about this giveaway: “I entered to win a Nokia Lumia 710 on GadgetGoddess.com.  You can enter this #giveaway here http://bit.ly/GadgetNokia710 @gadgetgoddesses”
• 5 entries – Blog about this giveaway on your own blog and leave the URL in the comments below.  Do not copy and paste this post into your blog.
• Be sure to tell us what you’ve done in the comments below.

Contest Rules:

• Winner is responsible for T-Mobile service.
• Entries accepted through 11:59PM EST June 12th, 2012.
• U.S. Residents only.
• Ages 21+.
• No P.O. Boxes
• Winner must respond to our email within 24 hours to claim their prize.
• Prize may take 2-6 weeks to arrive. We can not guarantee arrival by a specific date.
• Past Nokia Lumia 710 blog contest winners not permitted for contest re-entry, and will be disqualified if selected.

Kennsington PowerGuard™ Battery Case with Card Stand

Kennsington iPhone PowerGuard Battery Case

Boogie Board™ LCD Writing Tablet with Stylus Holder

BoogieBoard LCD Writing Tablet

Earbuds

Earbuds

FlightTrack flight tracking iPhone app

Airline iPhone Apps

Taken with Instagram app on iPhone 4S

In the mobile world, few devices can match the iPhone in terms of photographic capabilities. The default lens is undoubtedly one of the best on the market. The iPhone’s stock camera app is likewise extremely competent. However, one can get even more out of their handset with some third-party apps and a little additional hardware. Below you’ll find a few handy iTunes apps, lenses, accessories and tips to help you take the best pictures possible.

iPhone Photography Apps

Lenses & Equipment

In addition to mobile apps, the functionality of the iPhone’s stock camera can be extended through the use of add-on filters and optics.

• Camera accessory maker Photojojo has a number of additional lens models including Macro, Fisheye, Telephoto and Wide Angle that are specifically designed to work with Apple phones.
• In addition, a stabilizing tripod is always a good idea. Joby makes a versatile line of adjustable camera tripods and stands called GorillaMobile that help users to stabilize shots in real world scenarios.

Tips and Tricks

Send Mom a Mother’s Day message via Skype’s ‘Mom, you rock’ Facebook application

Visit Skype’s Mom You Rock Facebook page to create a fun and unique message for your Mom.   Skype is celebrating Mother’s Day by offering a free video greeting card through their Mom You Rock Facebook page.

Mom You Rock is a charity campaign organized by Skype. For every ‘Mom, You Rock‘ video message that is sent, $1 will go to Save the Children’s Global Action Fund in support of the new MomsTheWord.org campaign.

Using Skype’s Mom You Rock application you can create a special video message for a mom in your life in about ten minutes.  Say more than you can on a greeting card and best of all, Mom will see your expressions, emotion, and just how much you love her, in your message!

Your mom will need to be on Facebook in order to send her a special Mom You Rock message.

After you click on the Say ‘Mom, you rock’ image on Skype’s Mom, you Rock Facebook page, you will be prompted to choose a Facebook friend (your mom) to send the video greeting to.

Next, choose from three rockin’ songs to feature in your video message.

Last, personalize your Mom, you rock video with short messages like “Happy Mother’s Day”, “We Love You!” and more.

Then send or schedule!

Connect with Skype:

• Skype’s “Mom You Rock” charity campaign
• Skype Facebook page
• Skype website

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.