Tracking Santa with help from Microsoft, Google
It's time to track Santa with the help of Microsoft and Google.
I'm Bridget Carey and this is your CNet Update.
[MUSIC]
It's that time of year with merriments and wonder where children gather around the warmth of a flickering computer monitor to track Santa's journey around the world in real-time.
You could also keep track on your mobile device.
As they do every year, NORAD the north american aerospace defence command is tracking big red in real time on christmas eve at NORADsanta.org.
NORAD is working with Microsoft to create an interactive 3D globe that is touch screen friendly and it works well on mobile devices.
For each stop on Santa's journey, you can pull up facts and images of each location via Bing.
Along with the website, there's also the NORAD track Santa app for Window's Phone, Android and IOS.
NORAD has been keeping an eye on Santa for nearly 60 years, after a Colorado Springs newspaper misprinted the hotline for Santa as Aerospace Defense Command Center.
And so children called in and the operators gave out updates on Santa's whereabouts throughout the night.
Now, the internet takes the tradition to a whole new level.
Over at Google, you'll find a portal to Santa's village.
Google.com/SantaTracker has numerous games, as well as some.
Programming lessons.
Parents with an android phone or tablet can download the Google Santa tracker app for status updates on Saint Nick but that's not the only holiday online entertainment.
You could take a virtual stroll through the lavish holiday window displays of department stores in New York and London.
All using Google Maps Business View.
If you pop by Saks Fifth Avenue, you'll find that Cinderella's getting out of her carriage.
Or you can click on over to Macy's at 34th Street to see Santa and his elves hard at work.
The windows at Liberty London glitter in gold.
And Bloomingdale's is getting the New Year's Even party started early.
Look for the see inside marker on maps to explore holiday shops.
If you're having guests over, why not set the mood with a modern take on a yule log?
Using a steaming device with a YouTube app, such as the Roku or Google Chromecast, you can set your television to play Lil' Bub's New Magical Yule Log.
Hear the soothing purrs of the furry internet sensation with a crackling fire behind her.
Lil' Bub gained fame for a mix of genetic anomalies.
Including dwarfism.
He teeth never grew in for her shorter, lower jaw, which is why her tongue hangs out.
The new yew log video lasts 30 minutes.
There's also an hour long one of little Buzz from last year that has more than two million views.
Using a YouTube app on something like the Chromecast is also a great way to set a video playlist of holiday songs while you're entertaining a party.
That's your tech news update.
There's always more at cnet.com.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.
[MUSIC]
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