3rd Column Start Screen for current WP8?

[Liam Perry]

Out of curiosity how would people feel about having the extra column of tiles on existing wp hardware? (like the three column layout featured on the Nokia 1520)
I fully expect Microsoft to make the third column a 1080p only option, but I think it'd look and work fine on existing phones.
I'd love to see it on my Ativ S for example, and it'd look right at home on other large screened windows phones like the 920, 925, 1020 etc.

I don't know if it'd make the screen appear too cramped or more real estate efficient. I know on a 4.8" device like he ativ the size of the tiles is perhaps a little excessive.

 

[JerseySal]

It's subjective. Some people like all little tiles, while others mix and match. I wouldn't mind having extra options.

 

[foxbat121]

It's not gonna happen in short term. It will require the change of scaling factor of the entire screen which will make everything look different (including apps). Today, each screen resolution has a unique and hard coded scaling factor:

800x480 -> 100%
1280x768 -> 160%
1280x720 -> 150%
1920x1080 -> 140% (from SDK)

Majority of the apps (sans games written in native C++) are written/layout using 800x480 standard template which will scale out automatically and nicely to 768p screen but end up a little short on 720p and 1080p screens. That's why you often see blank spaces in early WP8 apps on a 720p phones like HTC 8X.

Now it is possible that MS will add user configurable scaling factor to WP8 like they did in Win8.1. But I think that will be a WP8.1 feature.

 

[juanitoriv]

Is because "HD" screens (like the 8X, and any other 720 or 1080 device), are in 16:9 resolution just like your flat screen TV, monitor or Windows Tablet. The 92X and above Nokias use 15:9.. I prefer the 16:9 on my 8X, gives me the same scaling and proportions as it does on all.my other screens..

 

[foxbat121]

I'm well aware of aspect ratio differences. But that's not the point I want to convey. The point is that scaling factor is hardcoded today. Without changing that, you can't easily add third column to home screen.

 

[juanitoriv]

I know. I was just elaborating.. 8)