Trending News|December 03, 2014 03:56 EST
Santa Tracker Map Christmas 2014: Google & Microsoft Launch Respective Santa Trackers, New Interactive 3D Globe
Google and Microsoft have launched their respective Santa tracking websites, which will be available throughout December and provide entertainment for children and adults alike in their bid to find jolly old Saint Nick, Venture Beat reports
The two companies rolled out updated versions of their Santa Tracker for this year's Christmas season, following last year's successful launches.
Google made the announcement over their Santa countdown on a post on their official Google Blog, claiming that their Santa's elves are showing off a new game everyday from the start of the month to Christmas Eve. They are inviting users to participate in reindeer races, help pack Santa's presents for kids around the world, test their knowledge of holiday traditions, play candy cane cartography and more. They are also working on a sleigh tracking algorithm, to help keep an eye on Santa.
Google is also making the Santa Tracking Android app available for televisions, tablets, and smartphones, as well as Chromecast and Android Wear smartwatch, so that users can track Santa from as many devices as they want, according to Venture Beat.
Microsoft, on the other hand, is continuing their partnership with the North America Aerospace Defense Command or NORAD for their Santa Tracker, according to Digital Trends.
Microsoft has been launching their Santa Tracking website since 2012. This year is no different as they continued to offer a variety of games, music, movies and even a library for their users.
Microsoft also announced on their official Windows Blog that they are pulling in Bing Maps, Internet Explorer and Cortana to help them. They also created an interactive 3D globe that will be available on Dec. 24 and will offer images and fun facts for every location Santa arrived at in his worldwide journey.
Smartphone users will also be able to join in as Microsoft has made the app available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone.