Earlier today we heard that Google had launched their Santa tracker, and now Microsoft has announced that they have teamed up again with NORAD to help you track Santa. This collaboration has become a beloved tradition, bringing joy and excitement to families around the world during the holiday season.
You and your kids will be able to use the NORAD Santa tracker from the 24th of December to see where Santa is as he travels around the world. This interactive experience not only adds to the festive spirit but also provides an educational opportunity for children to learn about geography and different cultures as they follow Santa’s journey.
The History of NORAD’s Santa Tracker
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa’s flight since 1955. The tradition began accidentally when a local Sears store in Colorado Springs printed an advertisement with a phone number for children to call Santa. However, the number was misprinted, and instead of reaching Santa, the calls went to the CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command) operations hotline. Colonel Harry Shoup, who was on duty that night, instructed his team to give the children updates on Santa’s location, and thus, a cherished tradition was born. NORAD took over the responsibility in 1958, and the Santa Tracker has been a holiday staple ever since.
Features of the NORAD Santa Tracker
The NORAD Santa Tracker website offers a variety of features to enhance the tracking experience. This year’s site – built as part of the Internet Explorer campaign to rethink what the web can be – features a brand new set of games, improved performance, and an optimized mobile experience, in addition to the ability to track Santa with the help of Bing Maps.
1. Interactive Map: The heart of the Santa Tracker is the interactive map powered by Bing Maps. It allows users to see Santa’s current location, his next destination, and the number of gifts delivered so far. The map is updated in real-time, providing an accurate and engaging way to follow Santa’s journey.
2. Educational Content: The website includes information about the places Santa visits, offering fun facts and educational content about different countries and cultures. This feature makes the Santa Tracker not only entertaining but also informative.
3. Games and Activities: To keep children entertained while they wait for Santa, the site offers a variety of holiday-themed games and activities. These include puzzles, memory games, and interactive stories that are sure to keep kids engaged.
4. Santa Cam: On Christmas Eve, NORAD deploys its “Santa Cams” to capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their way around the world. These clips are shared on the website, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers.
5. Mobile Optimization: Recognizing the increasing use of mobile devices, the NORAD Santa Tracker is optimized for smartphones and tablets. This ensures that families can track Santa on the go, whether they are traveling or at home.
You can find out more details about the NORAD Santa tracker from Microsoft over at the NORAD website at the link below. This collaboration between Microsoft and NORAD exemplifies how technology can be used to create magical experiences that bring people together, fostering a sense of community and wonder during the holiday season.
Source: [NORAD Santa Tracker](https://www.noradsanta.org/)
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