Check it out: http://ideashower.posterous.com
Help me pick out 1 of these for me to work on, and feel free to pilfer any of them for your own needs as well :)
Oh, and I am always interested in meeting a co-founder here. Am located in Sweden.
I think I am more of an inventor at heart than I am an entrepreneur. But willing to learn! :)
My view is exactly like you said, the next stage of the internet is wealth redistribution, but you need the right business model to make that work.
My main problem is simply picking 1 idea and getting psychological traction. I honestly don't know why I haven't gotten started yet :p
This, in turn, would lead them past special offers and other 'impulse purchase' shelves. It keeps people in the store for longer, which may lead them to spend more money.
I don't believe it's in a grocery stores interests to get people in and out as soon as possible, so don't expect their cooperation ;)
Maybe it could be a crowdsourced app then?
I encounter this need on a daily basis. The issue with using FT sites that already exist (sendfile etc) they tend to have a spammy feel, end up being blocked in a corporate world so offering a professional, overly secure site would possibly tap into the business market.
Perhaps a business solution where they register once for the entire organisation, provide their IP range and anytime your site is accessed from their machines you allow them a secure, simple way to transfer files.
This is how Yell.com allows search access to companies to their online phone directory.
I think the issue with having NO users account details means you cut out a lot of avenues for monetization quickly. By aiming it at businesses you would still gain revenue but the end user would have a seamless, account free experience.
I also think the home market is well covered with Dropbox and the likes where there's no restriction on what you access, sign up for etc.
The other idea that I noticed was the Cleaning DVDs one. While the only phrase I understood was 'cleaning my toilet' it certainly made me smile.
I think there is a small niche product to be made out of that one! Heck, I'd probably even buy one, you could market it as How to hack your housework! :)
If you really wanted tab management, that seems like an easy job for a simple browser add-on.
There are several ideas that are not on this list, simply because someone else came up with them and implemented them (Verbling and LikeALittle come to mind as two startups whose basic ideas I thought of like 1 year ago yet didn't consider good enough).
Some of it is specific only to Japanese, but a lot of it is just incredibly smart. AntiMoon.com is also another good resource. The core message is to concentrate on input and understanding first...
The big businesses in this field: Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, etc... they own this field.. but in reality, they all suck (well Pimsleur is ok, I guess). Their techniques is NOT how you learn languages if you want to be fluent.
And so many startups focus on connecting language learners through Skype or a community. Sexy.. cool.. but NOT how you should learn languages if you want to be fluent.
The way to learn is to be like a baby... just listen, listen, listen. Get used to the flow. Get used to the accent. Get used to the nuances... it's ok if you just do this for a month, 2 months or even 3... No stress to start speaking.. no fear of mistakes.... listen, and your brain will start making those synapses and connections. People say babies learn languages faster than adults.. that's total nonsense. It's because babies are learning 24/7 for 5 straight years before they start speaking a single word. If adults had the time to do that, they'll freaking learn how to speak Japanese or Chinese as well. Babies are NOT special.
How does this translate to a startup idea? No clue... ChinesePod.com does this very well for Chinese, so you basically should start with a single language.
Just ask me if they sound interesting but you can't figure out the meaning.
I am really really good at finding people in various niches and getting them to do stuff (in my case, getting them to write articles for my magazine for free). So I can probably get a site seeded with content without too much hassle. Or maybe I am totally delusional about my ability :)
Happy idea hunting!