Microsoft Ventures Spark Federal Inquiry

The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing Microsoft Corp.’s recent investments in Apple Computer and several companies developing so-called “streaming media” technology for the Internet.

Early this month, Microsoft invested $150 million for roughly a 7 percent stake in Apple, its longtime adversary.

In July, Microsoft bought a 10 percent share of Seattle-based Progressive Networks, an early streaming technology leader, then purchased VXtreme, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based start-up.

Both investments are seen as efforts by Microsoft to set the technical standards for streaming media, which allow broadcasters to send sound and video over the Internet.