SAN FRANCISCO: T-Mobile and Google launched the carrier's G1 phone - the first smartphone that runs on Google's long-awaited Android operating system - through a collaborative marketing effort.

SAN JOSE, CA: PayPal has consolidated its PR function, with Access Communications now serving as its AOR after a competitive review.

NEW YORK: Financial services companies in good standing are aggressively communicating with customers and the media during this time of great economic uncertainty.

NEWTON, MA: TripAdvisor launched its "More than Footprints" philanthropic campaign, intended to enlist customers to vote for a travel-related charity most worthy of a $1 million donation.

Webcasting software company IVT is planning to launch Primetime, its version of "YouTube for the enterprise" at the Streaming Media West conference in San Jose, CA, on September 23.

SAN LEANDRO, CA: The North Face recently hired the Aloft Group as its global corporate communications firm after a competitive bid between five agencies.

CAMBRIDGE, MA: Targanta Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company seeking FDA approval this year for its lead antibiotic Oritavancin, tapped Russo Partners as its AOR after a competitive bid.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: Google altered the strategy for the debut of Chrome, its first browser, following a pre-launch leak to journalists.

WASHINGTON DC: The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers recently launched "EcoDriving," a national campaign intended to empower consumers on an individual basis to reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions.

ADA, MI: Amway Global, a manufacturer of products such as beauty brand Artistry and vitamin supplement Nutrilite, and direct-seller company, has embarked on a corporate rebranding campaign to raise awareness of the overall brand in the health and wellness category and phase out the Quixtar name and brand.