- About grouping, it's already there in Windows 8, combined with Semantic Zoom, it makes life a lot easier for the user. Instead of scrolling in endless ways, you could achieve what you want way quicker and easier. It's the replacement of folders in other operating systems, which makes me about to throw up when I think of it's idea even!
Also, it's all about options, you can have this, or that. People have different takes and ways of dealing with the OS.
- You have a point, but I thought we could get rid of that in the volume up+down, that's what I saw in the leaks of 8.1.
- Maybe, but in every other OS it's the same, it's supposed to be text heavy as it's a hub that gathers text.
- You don't get the idea of quick apps then, forget about using them while you're in the start page, but think about using them when you're in an app or a game. You could have quick access all the time for the apps you use the most. I think it's a bit limiting having to pin those to the top of the start page, having more options is always welcomed.
- I agree with your "other" point regarding buttons.
- It's not that confusing, it's easier to close apps this way. Latest leaks suggests that swiping apps off the multi-tasking menu suspends them, not closes them. I want a normal back button, a one that closes apps. You see, I've used all 3 operating systems, and Windows Phone way of handling the back button is weird, and many don't get it. If you keep pressing the back button you may get back to the start page, but then if you had an app running in the background and you pressed back again, it goes to it. How the hell am I supposed to know what's running in the background all the time? Believe me it's way confusing this way.
- Solid backgrounds, or scrollable ones, or even fixed wallpapers are options.
I discussed the bad points with you only. All in all, thanks for your comment and thorough look.