Beth Krietsch

Brands are relying more on user-generated content in their campaigns as a way to better engage consumers.

To highlight innovation's key role in the economy and to further engage Americans in policies relating to innovation that effect the electronics sector and the economy, the Consumer Electronics Association introduced its "declaration of innovation."

Schmap, a location technology service provider, launched Know Your Followers to provide Twitter users with more information about their audience.

SUNNYVALE, CA: NetApp, a data management, delivery, and storage company, has hired Washington-based integrated communications shop Bluetext to handle PR for its US public sector business.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: LinkedIn has selected Maloney & Fox as its consumer PR agency after a competitive review.

PALO ALTO, CA: The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) has hired McGrath Power as its AOR.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Facebook will file paperwork for its initial public offering as early as next Wednesday.

NEW YORK: StyleCaster Media, Ford Motor Company, and the 92nd Street Y have partnered to organize the "State of Style Summit" on February 7, which will use digital tools to promote high fashion.

SAN FRANCISCO: Bite Communications has hired Andrea Cunningham as president of Bite North America.

Apple far exceeded analyst expectations with earnings of $46.3 billion in the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year. The $13.1 billion profit in the quarter was the company's best ever.