What I'd like in a Start screen

[Asskickulater]

I would totally disagree. Android is known for customization. Android is known for many other things, positive and negative. However, start/home screen aside, the differences between Windows and Android are many and broad. I have used both, and while I never hated the Android home screen, I like many of the Windows features. Even if I had to give up a start screen in exchange for an Android style homepage, Windows would still retain a lot of great distinctive features, and would be better for me than Android.

I think one thing that Windows does lack versus Android is options and customization. I think giving W10 more interface customization could only serve to attract more users. I don't know how many people would like OPs idea, but I think more options, when done well, are a good thing.

You know what else tons of options do? Clutter the settings screen and make development more complicated.

 

[Kram Sacul]

I also don't like the OP's idea. Didn't we get enough Android already? Horizontal homescreens would be one of the worst things (IMO) to happen to Windows (phone). The homescreen is good as it is now. The only changes I would make to the homescreen are:
-Landscape option, so it would be like the start screen in Windows 8.1
-Change the app list so that the search bar is hidden behind a search icon (you first tap the icon, then the field is revealed)
-Change the app list so it's a little more useful, and not so empty (however not the grid list, that sucks)
-Remove the 'All apps' shortcut that moves you to the apps list. It's useless, we all know where the app list is, it's the first thing you learn!
-Change the overlay on the start screen
What I mean by overlay is that there's a transparent white/black (depending on your theme) layer on top of your startscreen (where the tiles are) which just screws your picture. You can notice the diference easy, just compare the actual picture and the same picture as a background. You'll notice that the background is lighter/darker (depending on the theme), than the photo, which just makes it bad.

So basically you want an enhanced WP 8.1 start screen. I agree. The W10 version is dumbed down junk
(all apps instead of a simple arrow, clunky search box at the top).

I will add:

the ability to filter out games (removed in 8.1)
the ability to choose between solid or transparent tiles (this is mostly devs fault for making every tile transparent without a choice)
option for auto-hiding system tray (removed in 8.1)
options for choosing spacing in between tiles (tiles in W10M are cramped)