Get All Access for $5/mo

Ford Files a Patent to Turn Self-Driving Cars Into Movie Theaters If the patent is ever implemented, folks would be able to watch their favorite films on the go.

By Lindsay Friedman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock.com

How great would it be if you could watch your favorite film while commuting to work?

It's not that far-fetched a fantasy. One of the top car manufacturers is already considering the idea -- Ford recently filed a patent for an "autonomous vehicle entertainment system" that would let people watch videos on the go, according to The Next Web.

Related: Government Tells Google Its A.I. Could Be Considered a Legal Driver

Before you start questioning how one would watch a film and drive at the same time, the patent is intended for self-driving cars only.

Just like in-flight entertainment, once the car was in self-drive mode, passengers would be able to turn the projector screen on using flat-panel displays and watch the latest flick.

If at any time the driver needs to actually, you know, drive, the screen will rescind into the car's roof while a secondary display allows passengers in the back to continue watching interrupted.

Related: There Will Be 20 Million Self-Driving Cars On the Road by 2025

Still, the invention brings into question how reliable self-driving cars really are. Would you be comfortable kicking back with The Fast and the Furious while your car speeds down the highway?

Of course, with any patent, there's no guarantee this will ever be a reality. However, it would make the trip to visit grandma a bit more bearable if it ever does become a Ford feature.


Lindsay Friedman

Staff writer. Frequently covers franchise news and food trends.

Lindsay Friedman is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Apple Reportedly Isn't Paying OpenAI to Use ChatGPT in iPhones

The next big iPhone update brings ChatGPT directly to Apple devices.

Business News

Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchases Struggling, Cult-Favorite Movie Theater Chain

Alamo Drafthouse originally emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021.

Marketing

Are Your Business's Local Listings Accurate and Up-to-Date? Here Are the Consequences You Could Face If Not.

Why accurate local listings are crucial for business success — and how to avoid the pitfalls of outdated information.

Growing a Business

He Immigrated to the U.S. and Got a Job at McDonald's — Then His Aversion to Being 'Too Comfortable' Led to a Fast-Growing Company That's Hard to Miss

Voyo Popovic launched his moving and storage company in 2018 — and he's been innovating in the industry ever since.

Money & Finance

Day Traders Often Ignore This One Topic At Their Peril

Boring things — like taxes — can sometimes be highly profitable.

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive Than Ever? Treat Your Personal Life Like a Work Project.

It pays to emphasize efficiency and efficacy when managing personal time.