The competition between Microsoft and Google is stretching to the North Pole as the Internet search rivals vie to be top Santa tracker this Christmas.<\/p>\n
Google on Wednesday launched a google.com\/santatracker website offering reindeer games, elf antics and updates on beloved gift-giver Kris Kringle as children worldwide count down to Christmas eve.<\/p>\n
“A team of Google engineers are working hard to track Santa’s sleigh with the most advanced maps and holiday technology available,” self-titled Elf Creative Director Sandy Russell said in a blog post.<\/p>\n
Google has crafted software to involve Android-powered devices and its Chrome web browsers in on the Claus tracking action.<\/p>\n
“Use your phone for on-the-go flight practice with the elves or cozy up near the fireplace with your tablet to follow Santa around the world as he delivers presents Christmas Eve,” Russell said.<\/p>\n
“If you have Chromecast, cast from the Santa Tracker Android app to explore the Village or track his route right from your TV.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Microsoft teamed with North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) to create a Santa Tracker powered by the organization’s global radar system and technology such as Bing Maps and Windows software.<\/p>\n
Colorado-based NORAD is a combined US and Canadian command center that works to “defend North America” by watching the skies and seas for threats.<\/p>\n
“Since we’re watching the skies anyway, it only makes sense to watch for Rudolph as well,” said NORAD Tracks Santa project manager Marisa Novobilski.<\/p>\n
NORAD’s tradition of Santa tracking began in 1955, after a US retail chain’s newspaper ad inviting children to telephone Mr. Claus mistakenly listed a phone number reserved for emergency US air defense situations.<\/p>\n
A colonel on duty played along for the sake of children callers, and “it became the goodwill military outreach program it is today,” Novobilski said.<\/p>\n
This is the first time NORAD has teamed with Microsoft, which is helping power a noradsanta.org website featuring games, video and more.<\/p>\n
“Once upon a time, children would have to take their parents’ word that Santa Claus was on his way (but will only stop at their house if they go to sleep already), ” US-based Microsoft said.<\/p>\n
“Now, using a website, a mobile app, or by placing a phone call to NORAD, children can determine Santa Claus’s approximate global position.<\/p>\n
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