In the true spirit of goodwill to all, Google and Microsoft have again gone head to head with competing Santa trackers - browser wars have nothing on this rivalry.

Microsoft hasonce more nabbed the partnership with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track Santa. Is it only me that thinks its a bit weird that a missile tracking security agency is keeping a close watch on where Santa is? How does that fit in with the tradition and mythology? And is there a feed to the NSA? 

Prior to last year, Google was cosied up under the tree with NORAD on Santa Tracking, but Microsoft obviously makes better mince pies. Not to be beaten, Google has gone it alone to launch its own version using Google Maps and with “fun activities and the opportunity to meet some interesting elves” while counting down to Santa's departure on Chirstmas Eve. 

Now there’s an offer you don’t get every day.

(click to access Google's Santa Tracker)

The NORAD/Microsoft version too has games, a 3-D touch-enabled interface, and you can use Skype to see how Santa’s getting on. At least this year you can view the effort using Microsoft's own Internet Explorer 11 which has finally caught up with reality and supports WebGL. 

Ah, so much technology put to a good cause.

If you’re wondering why we’re reporting such a developer-centric topic, being able to track Santa might just convince your kids, nieces and nephews that you DO know something useful about computers and computers can be fun, magical and christmasy. 

Well, it’s either that or show them your C++ code again, but remember how well that went down last year.

Bah humbug.