Gwen Stefani for HP, Michael Jordan for Hanes, Dr. Dre for HP, Peyton Manning for Sony, Lady Gaga for Polarioid, Lance Armstong for Radio Shack, Michael Vick for… ArTran?

A new study confirms what a lot of people on both ends of the advertising paradigm suspect: celebrity endorsements aren't worth it. My colleague Sheila Shayon earlier pondered this question — find out why the evidence is swinging in favor of taking back the swag bags and shutting down the gravy train.Continue reading...

Clearly, Chrysler has recognized the power of product placement. After years of Ford Mustangs and Audis hogging all the prominent cinema roles for autos, Chrysler is bull rushing screens both big and small.

Brandcameo has already looked at how appearances of Dodge Challengers and Chargers, coinciding with the models rerelease, continue to increase, including in high-profile upcoming films like Green Lantern and Drive Angry 3D.

Now, two other Chrysler sightings show just how aggressive the Chrysler brand is in terms of product placement.Continue reading...

Rapper Dr. Dre has teamed up with the Boston Red Sox on a pair of baseball-themed headphones. The collaboration may seem a bit odd as consumers can now listen to Dre's music through his self-designed headset while also touting their love for the Red Sox – but the partnership actually makes perfect sense.

While Dre first teamed up with Monster Cable Products in 2008, their latest creation, termed The Beats, represents the duo's latest venture into athletics-themed memorabilia. The Beats are also the first product accessible to average consumers and retail for $350 a pair. Past versions were specifically designed for celebrities such as basketball players Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. However, last night The Beats were revealed to sports fans at Fenway Park's Opening Day celebration.Continue reading...

The iPad launch day arrived and consumers lined up. [Washington Post]

Apple saw more sales than previously estimated. [Bloomberg]

Coachella promotes its concerts with an iPhone app. [LA Times]

Dr. Dre and the Red Sox created themed headphones. [Boston Herald]

Americans eat more prepackaged foods than fresh. [NY Times]

Old Spice takes a cure from Axe and gets physical. [BrandFreak]Continue reading...

Given the abundance of brands in Lady Gaga’s videos, it would appear that certain companies have special access to the fame monster. Lady Gaga has always had a bit of a flirtation going with advertisers -- in the past Companies like Campari and Bwin.com have been prominently featured in her videos. However, her latest Bad Romance video indicates that the pop star's dalliances with brands has turned into a full-blown love affair.Continue reading...