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.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.

Business Culture

You'll Always Have Anxious Employees if You Don't Follow These 4 Leadership Tactics

Creating a thriving workplace environment hinges on the commitment of company leaders to nurture and inspire their teams.