Two Free iPhone Startup Ideas

Idea #1: Amazon Price Checker

The problem: Real world comparison shopping is still surprisingly painful. When I'm shopping in Best Buy or Borders or my local deli, I have no idea how much of a premium I'm paying for the brick and mortar experience. Delivering the right information (comparative price data) at the right time (while shopping) is still difficult.

The solution: Develop a camera-enabled application for the iPhone that reads UPC, ISBN, and ASIN numbers (similar to Delicious Library). Of course, the interface could also include a means of typing or speaking the number as well. Then, use Amazon's API or a comparison shopping engine (like PricegGrabber.com) to comparison shop instantly.

Idea #2: Universal Gift or Wedding Registry

The problem: Multiple gift registries are a (necessary) pain the ass. If you want your stemware from Macy's, but your shower curtain from Target, you gotta build two different registries.

The solution: As above, turn the iPhone into a universal product scanner. Build a companion website that handles the gift registry logic. Sell it to theKnot.com. Easy!