Microsoft Cortana is one of the popular voice-based digital assistant available by default with the Windows 10 operating system. While Amazon and Google have released their own digital speaker, Microsoft still lags behind. The latest news is that the Harman Kardon Invoke is the first Cortana speaker released by Microsoft. The speaker is set to compete with Amazon Echo and Google Home.
The Harman Kardon Invoke features the same tower design as in the Amazon Echo. However, the base is bigger when compared to Echos. The speaker includes a metallic speaker grille with a touch-sensitive top that ignites when Cortana is listening to users voice. Like in the case of Amazon Echo, it is possible to rotate the dial to adjust the volume.
On the base, you will find buttons for muting the microphone and another for establishing connectivity with Bluetooth devices. With 242mm tall, the speaker measures 1kg in weight. Moreover, the speaker ships with three 45mm woofers and three 13mm dome tweeters concealed inside the plastic and metal body.
The top portion of the Harman Kardon Invoke is equipped with seven far-field microphones to enable the device to pick voice from any corner of the room. As you can see, these features are similar to that of Amazon Echo. Moreover, you need to connect the speaker to the AC power because of the absence of the battery.
With Harman Kardon Invoke, you can fetch answers to queries, create reminders, lists including the ability to perform calls to landlines. It is also possible to control smart home devices such as bulbs and thermostats alongside radio streaming from various services such as iHeart Radio, Spotify, and TuneIn.
To work with the Harman Kardon Invoke, you only need to plug in the speaker to the power source, download the free Cortana app available for Windows 10, Android and iOS. A Microsoft account is compulsory to play with the speaker.
Priced at $199.95, the Invoke speaker is available in Black and Silver color variants from the official website of the Harman Kardon. To begin with, the speaker will be available only in the US. We don’t have any information as to when the speaker will be available in other markets.
