Barge mystery solved? Well, not really. But Google (GOOG) finally broke its silence about the two (or more?) barges that it’s been fitting with modular structures, saying in a statement Wednesday that it’s hoping to use them “as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology.”
That’s pretty vague. Still, it puts to rest the early speculation about a floating data center. And it’s consistent with what we’d heard in recent weeks from officials at the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, who said Google approached them a few months ago to ask about mooring one of the barges at someplace like San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center, and using it as a place for teaching about tech.
Whether such an “interactive space” would also be some kind of demonstration venue for Glass and other cutting-edge tech devices is unclear. And whether Google can get a permit to park the barge anywhere in San Francisco Bay is also uncertain.
Here’s Google’s statement: “Google Barge … A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above. 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.”
Check back later for more details on this developing story.
