What kinds of apps is this supposed to unleash? If the application is sufficiently complex to require programming or a database, which is true of just about any non-trivial app, then the user is savvy enough to host apps for free in several cloud hosting services with very easy deployment.
I think you are looking at this the wrong way. Don't think permanent services or sites. Don't think technical people wanting to host solutions.
Rather think end-users just wanting to get stuff done, minimal fuzz.
Anyone can install a local application like MSN, but your mom and dad wouldn't be able to deploy the needed infrastructure on a server. If you can install a application and the required "server"-infrastructure by simply adding a widget to your browser, and invite people to it by simply sending them a link, that is quite a major leap in simplicity and will allow for entirely new forms of spontaneous collaboration.
I'm not saying this is the second coming of Christ and it may even end up as a total dud, but if you are looking at this from a hacker/tech perspective and all you can think of is "but hosting stuff in a datacenter is better" you haven't really gotten what the idea is all about.
will allow for entirely new forms of spontaneous collaboration
... that require pre-packaged apps to be added as plugins to mom and dad's browser, then e-mails sent containing urls to their new service, then mom and dad not turning off their computer and having a good enough connection for whatever type of app they've installed. (Rule out real-time with my parents' place.)
As opposed to our current model where the app writer hosts said new form of spontaneous collaboration (e.g., twitter, skype) on servers and mom and dad discover the service through word of mouth. Then mom and dad install clients where appropriate (e.g., twitter on both computer and cell phone, or skype on macbook with built-in camera). And then there's Google Wave which seems like a better platform for new forms of spontaneous collaboration (more robust, easier to determine recipients/access, open & published protocol).
The main benefit of the Opera system seems to be the app/service store, which adds discoverability, and the url namespace through its proxy service. If there is a market due to these strengths, I'd expect Google's new Wave platform to do better.
I think you are looking at this the wrong way. Don't think permanent services or sites. Don't think technical people wanting to host solutions.
Rather think end-users just wanting to get stuff done, minimal fuzz.
Anyone can install a local application like MSN, but your mom and dad wouldn't be able to deploy the needed infrastructure on a server. If you can install a application and the required "server"-infrastructure by simply adding a widget to your browser, and invite people to it by simply sending them a link, that is quite a major leap in simplicity and will allow for entirely new forms of spontaneous collaboration.
I'm not saying this is the second coming of Christ and it may even end up as a total dud, but if you are looking at this from a hacker/tech perspective and all you can think of is "but hosting stuff in a datacenter is better" you haven't really gotten what the idea is all about.