Holograms could be the Samsung Galaxy S7's secret weapon

Holograms could be Samsung's secret weapon in the smartphone arms race, as a patent filing suggests the firm is experimenting with the technology.

Uncovered by Patently Mobile, the document describes a handset display that is capable of displaying holographic images in mid-air.

The futuristic technology would theoretically enable a phone to project images above the screen, likely icons that users can interactive with by touch.

Devices equipped with the tech will apparently use their camera to detect interactions and beam images with the help of a special case.

Samsung filed the patent in the second half of last year, so could we see the technology come into fruition in time for the Galaxy S7 or another future handset?

Recent reports suggest that the Korean firm is fast-tracking its new flagship handset to market following a disappointing fiscal quarter.

Meanwhile, holograms are gaining traction in the tech industry thanks to the buzz surrounding Microsoft's HoloLens headset.