Santa’s Route: Goodbye Google Maps, Hello Microsoft

Curious news is coming from the United States: this year the Santa Claus’s sleigh route can be followed through the services of Microsoft.
Usually for this event with Santa’s journey the technology ofGoogle Maps was used, but this year the Norad – North American Aerospace Defense Command – has decided to leave the services offered by Mountain View after five years from the start of the partnership, to turn instead to those branded Microsoft.
The news of the choice to change partners comes from the columns of The Telegraph, where it is also pointed out that the innovations are not limited to this aspect but also concern applications.
For the first time, in fact, Norad has also put online specific apps to follow Santa’s route also from smartphones and tablets, compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices.
What in the United States is called “Santa-tracking” is now a consolidated tradition, started in the 50s and begun almost as a joke.
In 1955, in fact, advertising flyers were distributed to children who had questions for Santa Claus. Due to a printing error, however, the phone number indicated was not the one properly activated for this special operation, but rather – by chance – it was that of the Chief Commander of the military organization preceding Norad.
A number, therefore, that should have been private and absolutely confidential, which, suddenly, was flooded with calls from children convinced they could speak to Santa Claus.

The then Chief of this department of the American Defense decided not to formalize and to welcome the questions of the little ones, discovering that they often asked what route Santa Claus took and at what point of his journey he was during Christmas Eve night.
Thus, from this accidental episode, Norad decided to set up a Santa Claus tracking service which – in today’s times – has been transferred to online maps.
Strange destiny, therefore, for Google Maps: back on Apple devices just a few days ago, they get their walking papers from Santa Claus himself, who this year will prefer Microsoft and – in particular – the services Bing Maps e Windows Azure.
To follow Santa’s journey, you can visit the official website www.noradsanta.org.