Google sets its sights on Santa

It's that time of the year again, when Santa Claus and his elves get extra busy preparing for Christmas Eve at the North Pole, and Google is helping kids keep an eye on them. 

Google has activated its Santa Tracker, which counts down the days to Christmas Eve while offering site visitors several activities.

"After 11 months soaking up the sun in the tropics, Santa and his elves are back at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas Eve. In addition to making toys, they need to clear the snow off 23 elf homes, candy factories and command centers in Santa’s Village," Google's Reindeer Programs engineering head Andres Ferrate said.

Visitors to Santa's village can join the elves as they catapult presents and race with reindeer.
They can also send holiday wishes to friends and family from Santa himself, Ferrate added.
Meanwhile, Ferrate said Google's engineers are working to track Santa’s sleigh with the search giant's state-of-the-art maps and holiday technology.

"On December 24, grab some cookies and apple cider and settle down in front of your computer, phone or TV to follow the big guy across the globe with our Santa Tracker. See where Santa’s going, the number of presents he’s delivered, and what he’s thinking throughout the evening," Ferrate added.
With the Santa Tracker for Android devices, people can use their phones for "on-the-go flight

practice with the elves or cozy up near the fireplace with your tablet to follow Santa around the world as he delivers presents Christmas Eve."

Forgetful people need not fear missing out - then can download the Chrome extension to count down to Santa’s takeoff - while browsing the web for holiday gifts, Ferrate said. — TJD, GMA News