Google finally answered questions about the barge, USA Today reported.
"Google Barge ... A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above," Google said in a statement. "Although it's still early days and things may change, we're exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology."
For weeks, the tech company has been linked with ongoing construction on a barge off Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. At first, tech reporters predicted construction would yield a data center. Then, after noticing workers stacking old cargo boxes, they thought it would become a creatively-built, Google Glass outlet, though several inside sources disagreed on the practicality of a floating store.
Both theories gained momentum when reporters linked Google to another barge in Portland, Maine. The San Francisco barge even drew the attention of the U.S. Coast Guard, which actually delayed Google's eventual announcement, according to USA Today. It turns out neither theory is true, but the floating Glass Store came closer to the truth, according to Google's response and earlier reports from CBS San Francisco.
According to a report by CBS San Francisco last week, the floating barge was to serve as a space for Google to display new products. The first three levels of the four-story structure were to function as showrooms and the top level was to become a party deck with a bar and other comforts. Events were going to be geared towards high-level customers and would be invite-only, CBS San Francisco reported.
That scenario could still be the case, however, based on its recent statement, Google will also be adding an interactive element to whatever events it plans to hold on the barge.
The entire structure was built using 40-foot shipping containers that can be removed at any time. According to CBS San Francisco, Google could take out a container and ship it anywhere in the country if it wished.
Google's dark, demarcated design represents a stark contrast to the light and open spaces typically used by Apple. Its decision to open a demonstration store/entertainment area/interactive spot is a direct response to Apple's thriving spaces and its annual events, according to CBS San Francisco.
