Samsung has acquired mobile and TV app specialists MOVL, Digital Spy said.

The startup company confirmed the deal, which will see Samsung take control of Kontrol.tv, a product which allows developers to create phone-to-TV apps.

A statement from the company said: "In April 2013, two years after inception, MOVL has officially joined forces with Samsung. We are now a part of Samsung Electronics, and we are excited to combine our multi-screen capabilities with Samsung's scale and innovation in its device ecosystem."

MOVL has worked with Samsung before, after its WeDraw app won an award at the Connected TV developer contest. The app allows users to draw with their phone or tablet and have the illustrations appear on a Samsung TV.

The acquisition will be a boost in Samsung's aim towards improving its connected TV technology with external portable devices.

MOVL had planned to work with other smart TV manufacturers later this year, but it is now unclear whether Samsung will allow the projects to continue.