Samsung patent shows touch controls on back of phone

Samsung's Edge technology is certainly a possible glimpse into what is to come – the curved display already looks futuristic enough, but it may just end up to be something more than a fancy gizmo.

According to a patent application filed by Samsung back in November 2014, future smartphones made by the company may have their “edge” curve extended well under the user's fingers. The phone will be able to figure out what type of grip its being held in and specific fingerings may or may not unlock certain shortcuts on its panels.

The patent also includes a way for the user to control the phone via a touch panel on its back. The illustrations seem to show a wraparound display, which goes all around the sides and to the rear of the phone. According to the patent application, the functions that will be controllable via the back panel will be customizable via the phone's settings menu.

So, should we expect to see this phone next year? We'd wager on “no”, seeing as the Edge manufacturing process is not entirely ironed out yet, and this patent shows a much more complex device. But hey – only Samsung knows.