Google unveils box for business videoconferences

Google is introducing on Thursday a videoconferencing tool designed to make it easier and less expensive to hold face-to-face business meetings.

“Chromebox For Meetings” goes on sale in the U.S. and will be available in the coming weeks in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, France, Australia and New Zealand.

The $999 device includes technology support for the first year. Customers needing support after that will have to pay $250 annually. Chromebox For Meetings is being sold by Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and AsusTek Computer Inc.

Google said the box can connect people in up to 15 different locations.