The Surprising Tech Shift Behind NORAD’s Santa Tracker
In a holiday-season tech surprise, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) made a significant platform change for its beloved Santa tracking tradition. After five years with Google Maps, the government program switched to Microsoft’s Bing mapping technology in 2012.
A Festive Partnership Change
NORAD’s Santa tracking program, operating since the 1950s, had partnered with Google Maps from 2007-2011. A NORAD spokesperson explained:
“Google supported NTS [NORAD Tracks Santa] from 2007-2011 and helped increase NTS program awareness across the globe; NORAD is grateful for the partnership and the resulting success. This year, NTS and Google mutually agreed to go in new directions.”
The move raised eyebrows given Google’s mapping dominance. At the time:
- Google Maps held 89% market share in the UK vs. Bing’s 4%
- The NORAD Santa app saw 223x more Android downloads than Windows Phone 8 versions
- Google’s mapping technology was considered industry-leading
Possible Reasons Behind the Switch
Industry experts speculated about the motivations:
- Strategic Partnerships: Microsoft may have offered NORAD better integration or support
- Technical Requirements: Bing’s platform might have met specific government needs
- Competitive Landscape: The move occurred shortly after Apple’s mapping controversy
The Bigger Picture in Mapping Wars
The switch came during a pivotal time in digital mapping:
- Google had just released its long-awaited iOS maps app (10M+ downloads in 48 hours)
- Apple was recovering from its mapping service failures
- Microsoft was aggressively pushing Bing’s capabilities
While the exact reasons remain undisclosed, the change highlighted the competitive nature of mapping technologies—even in holiday traditions. The NORAD Santa tracker continues to delight millions worldwide, now powered by different tech under the hood.
What do you think drove this holiday tech switch? The possibilities are as numerous as Santa’s delivery stops!
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: SPANXshape™ EveryWear Kick Flare Jeans, Vintage Indigo
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted spanxshape™ everywear kick flare jeans, vintage indigo delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: SPANXshape™ EveryWear Jean Short, 7″, White
Image: Premium product showcase
High-quality spanxshape™ everywear jean short, 7″, white offering outstanding features and dependable results for various applications.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge technology integration
- Streamlined workflow optimization
- Heavy-duty construction for reliability
- Expert technical support available
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 3: SPANXshape™ EveryWear Kick Flare Jeans, Indigo Sky
Image: Premium product showcase
Professional-grade spanxshape™ everywear kick flare jeans, indigo sky combining innovation, quality, and user-friendly design.
Key Features:
- Premium materials and construction
- User-friendly design and operation
- Reliable performance in various conditions
- Comprehensive quality assurance
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
