14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is trying to make Skype available everywhere, and since demand for smart TVs is growing these days, the company has rolled out a new version of the app that brings group video calling on Samsung TVs.
The new application is only available on smart TVs manufactured by Samsung and can be used if a built-in webcam is available.
If you want to download it, simply go over to the Samsung Smart TV App Store, search for Skype and click install. The TV will then take care of everything and place a shortcut for Skype on the main screen of the smart UI.
Full HD support also being offered
One of the best things about Skype on a TV is that the app can truly make the most of a smart TV and use its powerful display to create a high-quality video call between you and your contacts.
Group video calling is now available for TVs as well and Microsoft says that the full HD 1080 support makes the image even crisper, so a difference between your computer, laptop, tablet, or TV shouldn’t be that obvious.
There are some requirements though if you want to make the most of Skype for TVs.
First and foremost, the company says that group video calling and 1080p calling are exclusively available on 2014 models of Samsung’s smart TVs with a built-in camera, so in case you own an older model, Skype might come with limited functionality.
What’s more, HD video calls require a fast Internet connection and Microsoft explains that 1 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth or higher is required. Group video calls require a minimum download / upload speed of 512kbps / 128kbps, while the recommended speed is 2Mbps / 512kbps or higher.
Just like all the other versions of Skype, the new build designed to run on Samsung smart TVs is available free of charge, so just launch the store and download it to give it a shot right away.