Google has announced a new Chromebox for Meetings to help businesses connect their employees across the world.
The Chromeboxes will feature an Intel Core i7 processor with an HD camera, combined microphone/speaker device, and a remote.
Google tout that you won’t need any extra cords or devices to set up a meeting, just a display connected to the Chromebox. Participants will only need to “click the remote once” to enter a meeting rather than dialling in to special numbers.
Chromebox for Meetings also integrates with a business’ Google Apps account to schedule and invite others to meetings through Google Calendar.
A meeting can have up to 15 participants across any devices supporting Google Hangouts. For customers, contractors, etc. who aren’t part of the corporate Google Apps account, a Gmail account is all they’ll need to participate in a meeting.
Vidyo is providing a product for businesses needing to use preexisting PBX and SIP systems, whilst users preferring to phone in to meetings can use an UberConference number.
‘Chromeboxes from HP and Dell will be added in the next few months…’
The first Chromeboxes for Meetings are manufactured by ASUS and are available for businesses in the US starting at $999 – which includes the first year of a $250 “management and support fee”. Google have additional Chromeboxes from HP and Dell in store for the next few months and will be expanding into the UK, France, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia “later this year”.
Today’s announcement shouldn’t be much of a surprise given Chrome OS has been doing well in the business sector. With the Chromebox for Meetings set to land in 7 other markets soon, it’s looking to be another big year for Chrome OS.