Hi-fi mic producer Blue breaks into consumer electronics

Not a company frequently seen in the CE field, Blue made its reputation in the professional recording category. Today it has pulled away from its niche market, announcing an HD Webcam and a software-less microphone attachment for iPod.

Blue is widely known for its atypical mic designs, and has managed to maintain that reputation as it releases more products outside of the audio enthusiast category. Now, the company has added to its list of ultra-portable audio solutions which currently only includes its Snowflake USB podcasting mic.

The "Eyeball" webcam released by Blue today is designed almost identically to the Snowflake, complete with the company's trademark condenser capsule, and the ability to push the lens into the chassis to prevent unwanted broadcasting. It is a Plug-and-Play 2 megapixel auto-focus camera.

As the company's first product of that type, there is no precedent for judging how well it may perform. However, the Snowflake received only lukewarm reception from audiophiles, and that device is more in line with Blue's expertise.

"Mikey" is a stereo condenser set for iPod compatible with fourth- to sixth-generation iPod and second- to third-gen iPod Nano. It has variable gain control, a mono reference speaker, and can record approximately 1.5 hours on a full charge. The device is marketed as one for recording lectures, voice notes, interviews, and live music.

Both products will be available in December 2008, with MSRPs of $79.99 and $99.99 for Mikey and Eyeball respectively. Unlike most of Blue's previous products, they will be available at the Apple Store, as well as through Amazon and other retailers who do not deal exclusively in audio production equipment.