Microsoft: Please give us start screen backgrounds instead of skinned tiles!

[DennisvdG]

Why "instead of"??

Why not both??

 

[unstoppablekem]

I like how Windows 8.1 does it on computers, and I don't like how WP8.1 does it on WPs. If there is only the option for the tiles, and not the actual background like W8.1, then I'll just do the regular colors with no so-called "background". I guess we'll find out more at //build.

 

[unstoppablekem]

Why "instead of"??

Why not both??

This!

 

[Fade_z]

It's not even out and People are already jumping to conclusions

 

[Squachy]

I like how Windows 8.1 does it on computers, and I don't like how WP8.1 does it on WPs. If there is only the option for the tiles, and not the actual background like W8.1, then I'll just do the regular colors with no so-called "background". I guess we'll find out more at //build.

It works on Win8 because of the amount of gigantic void space between categorized tiles and bordering the screen. You can actually see stuff behind them. On WP the tiles take up the entire screen real estate unless you leave big square voids that make the start screen look incomplete. Unless you want to go back to the WP7 days where there was a large empty blank gutter on the right side of the screen.....

Im not saying either is the best way (i'd prefer the background to be changed too and not just skinned tiles) but the execution would be far less desirable unless MS allows the grouping of tiles with a header and opens up void space that way (like in win8 desktop) or some other way to actually be able to see the background.

I also I remember way back when people were brainstorming Metro/Modern UI customization ideas was that of transparent tiles. The skinned tiles seem to do the same thing.

 

[poiman]

It works on Win8 because of the amount of gigantic void space between categorized tiles and bordering the screen. You can actually see stuff behind them. On WP the tiles take up the entire screen real estate unless you leave big square voids that make the start screen look incomplete. Unless you want to go back to the WP7 days where there was a large empty blank gutter on the right side of the screen.....

Im not saying either is the best way (i'd prefer the background to be changed too and not just skinned tiles) but the execution would be far less desirable unless MS allows the grouping of tiles with a header and opens up void space that way (like in win8 desktop) or some other way to actually be able to see the background.

I also I remember way back when people were brainstorming Metro/Modern UI customization ideas was that of transparent tiles. The skinned tiles seem to do the same thing.

So, what's your point against just changing the colours of the background? There is absolutely no reason for Microsoft not to give us that option!

 

[xkinn]

that windows phone 9 concept design is too ugly and only one-sided

 

[linking1990]

It's not even out and People are already jumping to conclusions

That's the reason, cause it's not even out. We want it to be perfect when it's out, we don't want to wait another year for a newer update.

They need to get things right this time around!

 

[linking1990]

This!

Microsoft has no good history in giving more options when it comes to Windows Phone. I seriously hope they give us both!

 

[linking1990]

Please everyone, vote here:

Start screen background, with tiles grouping and Semantic Zoom – Feature Suggestions for Windows Phone

 

[linking1990]

Guys, we have crossed the 1100th vote on this cause, please keep the votes coming and share this with others.

​=)

 

[neo158]

I think skinned tiles can look good but the only pictures I've seen have had tiles skinned with pictures that just look terrible. I would prefer backgrounds as an option though.

 

[TaichiSurface]

ppl are not outraged because this option looks ugly (there's def that too) but more importantly they want the option (concept) that OP posted.

To be fair, a lot of people chose WP8 because of its UI ei Live Tiles, and to make it look like Winamp skin from the 2000 just isn't the way to go

 

[N_LaRUE]

I have nothing against the ideas of backgrounds but I guess the biggest roadblock I see to it is the resizing of tiles on the start screen. Right now I look at my start screen and there's no space available to see it. I'd have to manipulate my screen to go around the background to make it worthwhile. There's only small gaps in the tile and the bit at the top. Is it worth putting a background? It would mean a big change in the display or specailized skinning of the start screen.

I have to say I'm more partial to the skinned tiles but in all honesty I probably wouldn't use either.

So much for simplicity I guess. People have an obsession with making something their own to extremes.

 

[psudotechzealot]

I want both.

 

[linking1990]

I have nothing against the ideas of backgrounds but I guess the biggest roadblock I see to it is the resizing of tiles on the start screen. Right now I look at my start screen and there's no space available to see it. I'd have to manipulate my screen to go around the background to make it worthwhile. There's only small gaps in the tile and the bit at the top. Is it worth putting a background? It would mean a big change in the display or specailized skinning of the start screen.

I have to say I'm more partial to the skinned tiles but in all honesty I probably wouldn't use either.

So much for simplicity I guess. People have an obsession with making something their own to extremes.

Can't you see the gaps created when grouping your start tiles? Please have another look at them.
​

 

[neo158]

Can't you see the gaps created when grouping your start tiles? Please have another look at them.
​

You have to remember that not everyone groups their tiles, even so I think that backgrounds like on Windows 8.1 are the way to go instead

 

[TaichiSurface]

Watch this please:
How to Group Apps in Windows 8 - YouTube

I find it frustrating that we have to complaint to get what's already on Microsoft's platform considering they're pushing for the unifying experience. They should obviously includes something similar to your concept which I love (especially the category and the font you used) it should look similar across the board.

 

[linking1990]

You have to remember that not everyone groups their tiles, even so I think that backgrounds like on Windows 8.1 are the way to go instead 

Yes, but even in Windows 8, you can have gaps without making categories.

BTW, this background was taken directly from Windows 8

 

[linking1990]

I find it frustrating that we have to complaint to get what's already on Microsoft's platform considering they're pushing for the unifying experience. They should obviously includes something similar to your concept which I love (especially the category and the font you used) it should look similar across the board.

Thank you a lot sir. I wish everyone could see things from the way that you do.