REGIONAL NEWS

Costco Web site takes orders for "Halo 3"

Microsoft Corp. plans to release the next edition in its top-selling "Halo" video-game franchise in November, according to a listing on Costco Wholesale Corp.'s Web site.

Costco.com is allowing customers to preorder copies of "Halo 3," a shooting game in which players battle an alien race to save humankind, for delivery in November, according to the Web site. The game costs $54.99.

Microsoft said in an e-mail that it hasn't announced a time of release for "Halo 3," other than this year. The November date is Costco's estimate, the e-mail said.

The first two Halo games are the most popular titles for Microsoft's Xbox video-game consoles, and the company is looking to the third to push gamers to choose Xbox 360 over Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3.

Amazon founder invests in another Internet startup

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos continues to invest heavily in Internet startups.

The latest beneficiary is MFG.com, an Atlanta company that has created an online marketplace that helps manufacturers and suppliers find one another.

The size of the latest financing was not disclosed, though Bezos Expeditions, Bezos' personal investment, led the round.

Bezos has invested in a number of Internet companies in the past few months, including ChaCha, Pelago and Linden Lab.

Medio Systems attracts new customer for product

Medio Systems has landed another high-profile customer for its mobile search product.

The Seattle startup, which attracted $30 million in venture capital in November, will provide search functionality to users of Amp'd Mobile.

Amp'd is a new wireless company that is targeting youths and young professionals.

The companies say that the search technology -- to be made available by the end of March -- will enable users to quickly find ring tones, music and other content on their phones in one or two clicks.

Since launching the service last year, Medio has landed contracts with Telus Mobility, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile.

NATIONAL NEWS

Double-digit growth seen for online advertising

NEW YORK -- Online advertising spending in the United States will grow 18 percent this year, faster than in any other media, and Internet search advertising alone will grow 39 percent, a market research company is forecasting.

The report by Outsell Inc. also said concerns about the effectiveness of "pay-per-click" online advertising will lead to a decline of about 1 percent in 2007, according to the recently released study.

Advertising spending on TV and radio will decline by about 3.5 percent, while print media will grow 2.7 percent, the report said. Outsell's report was based on a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. advertisers who collectively control about $6.5 billion in ad spending.

Eastman Kodak unveils 3 inkjet home printers

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Eastman Kodak Co. elbowed its way into the crowded inkjet-printer market today, unveiling a trio of home printers that produce documents and photos using ink cartridges that cost roughly half as much as the competition's.

"For far too long, people have felt restrained from printing due to the high cost of ink," said Antonio Perez, Kodak's chief executive. "Our new system gives consumers the freedom to print documents and photos frequently, easily and affordably with exceptional quality that lasts a lifetime."

Replacement cartridges will run $9.99 for black ink and $14.99 for color, Kodak said.