MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Armed with a plethora of hardware weapons,
Google wants to take over meeting room teleconferencing systems with a
low-cost Chromebox for Meetings.
Announced on Thursday, the new system provides what Google calls a compelling suite of hardware and software tools to get more businesses to buy into video-conference calls. The system retails for $999 per meeting room, includes a new Core i7-powered Chromebox, remote control, microphone-speaker combo, and high-definition Webcam, and is available immediately in the US.
"We want to redo the meeting room," Caesar Sengupta, the vice president of product management for Chromebooks, told a press gathering at Google's headquarters.
He said that the system combines new hardware and new ways of using existing Google services to create a low-priced alternative to complicated, expensive teleconferencing systems. From low-quality video streams, to difficulties identifying other people on your conference call, Sengupta enthusiastically described how Chromebox for Meetings will change the workplace -- if businesses flock to it.
The initial $999 fee includes service for one year. Thereafter, Chromebox for Meetings will cost $250 per year.
Sengupta said the reason that Google developed the Chromebox for Business was utilitarian. The company needed to solve its own teleconferencing problems.
He described teleconferencing systems as "too complicated for most regular users," and said that the problems start with trying to get somebody to join in remotely.
"Even I can't remember 20-digit numbers," he said. He wasn't joking.
Announced on Thursday, the new system provides what Google calls a compelling suite of hardware and software tools to get more businesses to buy into video-conference calls. The system retails for $999 per meeting room, includes a new Core i7-powered Chromebox, remote control, microphone-speaker combo, and high-definition Webcam, and is available immediately in the US.
"We want to redo the meeting room," Caesar Sengupta, the vice president of product management for Chromebooks, told a press gathering at Google's headquarters.
He said that the system combines new hardware and new ways of using existing Google services to create a low-priced alternative to complicated, expensive teleconferencing systems. From low-quality video streams, to difficulties identifying other people on your conference call, Sengupta enthusiastically described how Chromebox for Meetings will change the workplace -- if businesses flock to it.
The initial $999 fee includes service for one year. Thereafter, Chromebox for Meetings will cost $250 per year.
Sengupta said the reason that Google developed the Chromebox for Business was utilitarian. The company needed to solve its own teleconferencing problems.
He described teleconferencing systems as "too complicated for most regular users," and said that the problems start with trying to get somebody to join in remotely.
"Even I can't remember 20-digit numbers," he said. He wasn't joking.
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