Microsoft has rolled out an update for its Skype app for Samsung Smart TVs, adding group calling and 1080p visuals to the service, Digital Spy reports.

Skype 4.0 is the first native smart television app to offer three-party group video calls for free, but its availability is limited at present.

Microsoft says the app will work on all 2014 Samsung TVs that feature a built-in camera, which amounts to the HU9000 series of curved 4K Ultra HD sets.

"Since the launch of Skype on TV, gone are the days when you and your children needed to cram in front of a webcam to say hi together to your friends," said the Skype team in a blog post.

"With the new Skype on TV, you can also bring in your friends from anywhere from now on and have a three-party group video call."

Microsoft is yet to announce plans to extend Skype 4.0 compatibility to other smart TVs.