Samsung collaborated with The Viral Factory to develop two projects, revolving around durability of the manufacturer’s SD memory cards. The first one is a promotional film, which proves that the product is ‘magnet-proof, shockproof and waterproof’ by testing it in the harshest environments imaginable, and the second one is an unprecedented initiative, under which the cards will be send into the stratosphere.

The idea of promoting products through a series of reality-TV episodes was recently employed by Philips and became the basis of its romantic online-only comedy videos to preview a series of new range. The concept is now taken up by another global company, Samsung, which has launched a website called SmartnSimple.tv to spread the word about its domestic appliances and offer internet-savvy UK consumers lots of ‘smart and simple’ tips on how to turn daily routine into enjoyable experience.

We define ourselves as brand designers but, put quite simply, we make change. But do we ever question just how comfortable we—or our clients—are with change? We’ve been thinking—and talking—about this quite a bit recently as we decided that we maybe need to address how we manage the process of design change through a more honest and open dialogue with our clients. And this also got me thinking about change—and, maybe more importantly, exchange—in the wider world. Previous brand and retail barriers have broken down, the brand landscape has changed beyond all recognition and we all feel more a part of a global brand community.

Remember the viral video “Guy Walks across America” shot for Levi’s? Being the internet hit this summer, it inspired the brand to develop a big-budget and educational project, revolving around the same idea—travelling.  Levi’s announces the premiere of “Norte a Sur: Una Ruta, 5 Experiencias,” a new TV series chronicling the journey of five American Latinos along the Pan-American Highway. The show airs on Discovery en Español Saturdays, from September 25 through November 27.

Diesel promotes a collection of its new sneakers, which are “Not made for running. Great for kicking asses,” with a campaign that is all about butts and people who deserve to be punished for the things they do or say. Following its “Stupid” strategy, the brand launched a section on its website, featuring the new catalogue, videos, Twittas service, and online activity with kickable characters.

PepsiCo’s Quaker Chewy Granola Bars brand is teaming up with Jordin Sparks and the nonprofit organization, Afterschool Alliance, to raise awareness of the importance of afterschool programs. Sparks is lending her voice to the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign to help generate support for afterschool programs and fuel activities with snacks made with whole grain to give kids a great start to the new school year.

Henkel has announced the start of the fourth “Henkel Innovation Challenge” (HIC) international student competition. An exclusive round-the-world trip awaits the winners. And the three best teams will also be invited to the Henkel headquarters in Düsseldorf where they will get an opportunity to personally meet Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted. Moreover, the most talented, creative and ambitious competitors from Russia will have an opportunity to get a trainee job at the company’s Moscow office with further employment perspective.