Google is making a play for the enterprise videoconferencing market with the launch of Chromebox for Meetings. The compact unit uses Google+ Hangouts and Google Apps to facilitate HD video calls, wireless document sharing as well as meeting invites and scheduling. The browser based conferencing tool supports up to 15 video feeds from laptops, tablets or smartphones. The technology giant has also partnered with Vidyo to support integration with traditional videoconferencing tools.
The Chromebox is built around an Intel Core i7 processors and comes with an HD camera, a combined omnidirectional microphone and speaker unit and a remote control. Display hardware is not included.
Google claims meetings can be set up in minutes and managed from a web-based management console.
Participants can also dial in on traditional phones using a conference call number thanks to a partnership with UberConference.
Chromebox for Meetings is currently only available in the US via an Asus Chromebox and costs $999. However, Google says in a matter of months Chromeboxes from HP and Dell will be available for meetings and plans to launch in Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the UK this year.