Google Inc. has released a new video-conferencing tool called "Chromebox for Meetings" on Thursday.
Chromebox for Meetings is a combination of new Chromebox, which is based on the Intel Core i7, and a 1080 pixel HD video camera that will let businesses carry out low-cost videoconferencing. The package also has a combined microphone/speaker and an RF remote control.
Its videoconferencing kit is designed to work with Google apps and services, like Gmail, Hangouts, and Google Calendar. It is also designed to connect people in a maximum of 15 different locations.
If a user wants to join a conference, he or she can just connect the device to a display screen and follow instructions step by step. In searching for the conference the user wants to join, he only needs to enter an identifying name, no need to type in his username or password.
"We've found that this works quite well for Google, and we're happy to bring this to other companies," said Google's product management vice president Caesar Sengupta to PCWorld.
During its launch, Chromebox also went on sale for $999 in the United States. The price includes a year of free technical support. However, those who will need support beyond the first year will have to pay $250 per year. To make the additional yearly payment worthy, Google will offer continuous software upgrades and improvements, and an undisclosed level of service-level agreement (SLA) guarantees.
"Over time, you'll see more and more management features baked into this," Sengupta added.
The videoconferencing device is being marketed by computer companies like AsusTek Computer, Inc., Dell, Inc., and Hewlett-Packard Co., which have already sold different devices to government agencies and private corporations, SFGate reported.
Chromebox will be released in Australia, Canada, France Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom in a few weeks time.
