Every year flying cars fail to take to the skies is a disappointment. But a recession at least forces companies to turn research dollars into revenues. Next year could be a bumper one for new products. Apple's tablet is one of the most keenly awaited. It aims to bridge the gap between a full laptop and a small handheld, solidifying its position as software maker of choice for mobile operating systems. At worst it will be a flop, shattering the air of invulnerability on which its lofty valuation – almost five times sales – rests.

Bringing the internet into the living room via a tablet will force TV companies to address the problem of competition from free online content. A recovery in advertising markets will help, but ZenithOptimedia forecasts global ad spending to rise by only 1 per cent in 2010. And the economics of online viewing, where users tolerate a minute of adverts per half hour, compared with nine on TV, do not stack up.

The likes of Comcast will try to change those dynamics. The cable company's takeover of content business NBC Universal will bring a 30 per cent stake in free video website Hulu. The deal may not even close in 2010, but the company will want to justify merging content with distribution. If only they could start work on those flying cars as well.