New Google tool to make business videoconferences easier

Google is introducing a videoconferencing tool designed to make it easier and less expensive to hold face-to-face business meetings even if the participants are scattered in different locations.

The device, called ‘Chromebox For Meetings’, went on sale in the US on Thursday for $999 and will be available in the coming weeks in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, France, Australia and New Zealand.

The $999 price 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, all of which already sell an assortment of gear to corporate customers and government agencies.

Google Inc said the box contains everything needed to set up a videoconferencing system that can connect people in up to 15 different locations. The company said someone simply needs to connect the device to a display screen and follow the instructions step by step.

The videoconferencing kit relies on several existing Google products: the Chrome operating system based on the eponymous Web browser; the technology running Google’s free Hangouts video chat system; and a suite of applications that the company has been selling to businesses for several years.

Most of Google’s previous forays in corporate markets have been aimed at competing with Microsoft Corp’s Office software and Windows operating system. With the expansion into business videoconferencing, Google is attacking products made by Cisco Systems Inc. and Polycom Inc.

The introduction of the new Chromebox also underscores Google’s commitment to continue stamping its brand on a variety of gadgets, just a week after announcing plans to sell its Motorola Mobility smartphone business to Lenovo Group for $2.9 billion. Google bought Motorola in 2012 with aspirations of building it into an influential player in the growing smartphone maker, but the deal turned into an expensive mistake.

Facebook grants father’s wish to see dead son’s video

A grieving father’s personal appeal to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has prompted the social network to release a retrospective video tribute of the man’s deceased 21-year-old son.

John Berlin, 46, of suburban St. Louis posted a YouTube message to Zuckerberg on Wednesday seeking a copy of Facebook’s new “look back” video feature for his late son, Jesse, who died in his sleep in January 2012 of unknown causes.

The automated tool creates a 62-second video using photos and comments previously posted by Facebook users. The YouTube plea has since drawn more than 1.25 million views.

“You ever do something crazy ’cause you just don’t know what to do anymore?” a tearful Berlin said in the YouTube plea. “Well, that’s what I’m doing right now.”

Facebook typically disables the accounts of people who have died. But the company said in a statement Thursday that it granted Berlin’s request and suggested Facebook might alter its policies on information posted by users who later died.

“With the number of people using our service, it’s often very difficult to act on behalf of one. But John’s story and emotion moved us to take action – so we did,” the statement said. “This experience reinforced to us that there’s more Facebook can do to help people celebrate and commemorate the lives of people they have lost. We’ll have more to share in the coming weeks and months.”

Berlin, a personal trainer who lives in Arnold, Mo., said Thursday he was overwhelmed by Facebook’s rapid response as well as messages of support he’s received from all over the world.

“I never expected any of this to happen,” he said. “All I want is every little piece of him I can get.”

Facebook unveiled the new feature, entitled “A Look Back,” on Tuesday to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The customized video shows the year a user joined along with a selection of the most-liked photos and messages, backed by instrumental music.