The GPS Insider

This year Google has teamed up with the real Santa-tracking pros — the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). You can currently count down to the big sleigh ride on the NORAD Tracks Santa website, and starting at 1 am PST on December 24th, you’ll be able to download a special KML file that lets you follow his trip in real time through Google Earth. Check out the Official Google Blog to read the humorous story of how NORAD (and now Google) became involved in the Santa-tracking tradition that began more than 50 years ago.

And while you’re in the Santa mood, check out Wired Magazine’s side-splitting analysis of Santa’s supply chain and the $27.5 billion annual cost for Operation Christmas (warning: PDF link)

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O’Neill Europe is showing off their new NavJacket, a Gore-Tex jacket with an integrated navigation tool. The NavJacket is the product of a partnership between O’Neill’s Wearable Electronics Department and MyGuide. According to some O’Neill propaganda, the jacket allows you to navigate through the mountains with the help of the integrated display on the sleeve and the audio instructions in the hood (is it that annoying British female voice?). “Simply enter your desired location and let the NavJacket guide you effortlessly down the slopes.” I’m fine with getting routing for something static like streets, but for an environment as dynamic as a ski slope? Also displays your current speed, weather forecasts, and details about your route, such as distance and time. Finally, the jacket has a friend finder function, which allows you to track down buddies on the slopes. The NavJacket will be available as part of the O’Neill Fall/Winter 2008/09 collection.

via NaviGadget

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