Google on Thursday launched a videoconferencing box. Priced at $999 the system is designed for face-to-face business meetings.
 
Internet company said that the system is easier to hold face to face business meetings and less expensive. The product will compete with Cisco Systems and Polycom,
 
Google is tying up with Asus, Hewlett-Packard and Dell to offer a specialised version of its Chromebox PC that comes with videoconferencing gear, including a video camera and speakers.
 
The first Asus made Chromebox will be available for sale in the US on Thursday. Customers can also pay a $250 annual service and management fee, though the first year is included in the product's sales price.

The product uses Google's free Hangouts video chat technology to connect up to 15 separate video streams from users in different locations.