Samsung has created a new viral video, which focuses equally on the brand’s products and on music. The company teamed up with OK, a popular viral band with a plethora of fans, to help them create a new clip for their single «Last Leaf,» from the album «Colour Of The Blue Of The Sky» using its new camera Samsung NX100. Along with the new video, they launched an interactive online hub and a series of 5 episodes describing how the clip was made and inspiring others to make their own crazy things just like they did.

Unilever announced that it has entered into a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Ampere Life Sciences to access Ampere’s Digital Biology™ technology platform and secure exclusive rights for the development of innovative consumer products. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The 5-year initiative will bring together a worldwide team of Unilever and Ampere scientists working on the core biology of ageing.

European brand consultancy LFH has created the branding and packaging for new Xylimax Flow chewing gum from Fazer, Finland’s largest confectionery business. New Xylimax Flow is a fresh fruity flavoured full xylitol chewing gum with sequentially released fruit when first chewed and a refreshing mint flavour at the end. It comes in two variants both with a menthol finish—lime and cactus, and raspberry and peach. The new chewing gum will be sold in 25g bags. LFH was appointed on the strength of the agency’s previous work with Fazer, following their appointment as the company’s brand consultancy in 2009.

With the school season already kicked off, Microsoft’s Bing web search engine launched an educational website, REDU, aimed at empowering teachers and everybody concerned with the issue to have a national conversation around education reform. They are encouraged to connect, communicate through initiatives and, being inspired by others’ examples, improve this sphere with concrete actions, ranging from planting a learning garden to taking up a volunteer job.

Coca-Cola, IBM, Microsoft and Google lead Interbrand‘s 11th annual ranking of the «Best Global Brands.»  Google (#4) sees a 36% increase in value over last year, bringing the brand closer than ever to rival Microsoft (#3). HP (#10) enters the top 10 for the first time, having increased brand value under a new business model and brand platform. For the 11th year straight, Coca-Cola (#1) retains its top spot as the number one ranked brand on the list.

Starbucks, an experienced player on a social pitch, is encouraging young Americans to experience the power of spoken words. The coffee company teamed up with The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (The NAACP) to launch the One Nation Spoken Word Showcase Tour, encouraging generation Y to participate in a range of activities, revolving around listening and speaking on a range of themes that focus on self-development and human rights.

The General Mills Foundation launched the One Million PALA Challenge in partnership with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (PCFSN) President’s Challenge program, Box Tops for Education® and the Amateur Athletic Union. Through the initiative, the General Mills Foundation will fund up to one million PALA for students across the United States. The program encourages children to lead healthy, active lifestyles.