It seems like every tech company that has a smart personal assistant is also launching a line of smart speakers. The trend started in 2014 when Amazon introduced the first generation Echo, which uses Amazon Alexa.
Two years later, Alphabet announced the Google Home with Google Assistant New Google Home Devices:Everything You Should Know New Google Home Devices:Everything You Should Know Google has big plans for its smart home products. Here's what we know so far about the Google Home Mini, Google Home Max, and Google Clips. Read more . Siri will also make a move before the end of 2017 when Apple launches the HomePod.
Another major player in technology is also hoping to make a splash in the smart speaker market. In October 2017, Harman Kardon launched the Invoke voice-activated speaker. It's the first wireless speaker of its kind powered by Microsoft Cortana.
In this article, you'll learn more about Invoke, including its features and compatibility. From there, you'll better understand if this smart speaker is right for you.
Although Microsoft Cortana controls Invoke, you don't need a Windows PC to use it. The system requirements to set up the speaker include only one of the following:
As an Apple user, I had no problem setting up my Invoke using my iPhone and the free Cortana app for iOS.
The Invoke is one of the most beautiful smart speakers to hit the market. It reminds me of a higher-end first-gen Amazon Echo with an attractive speaker grille and chrome bezel that tapers at the bottom.
Like most smart speakers on the market, the Invoke has been designed to work without physical contact. Instead, it strives to operate and communicate wirelessly.
There are physical controls on the device, of course. At the top, you'll find the speaker's illuminated touchpad that flashes blue and white whenever you use the device's wake command, "Hey Cortana." This circle turns red when you mute the speaker and white when you adjust the volume.
The touchpad is also where you'll find Invoke's seven microphones (which let you listen from any direction) and the volume control ring. As you turn the volume ring left and right, the touchpad light gets darker or brighter, depending on the direction of the turn.
Near the bottom of the device, you'll see a microphone on/off button, a Bluetooth pairing light, and a factory reset button. The Invoke power cable connects at the bottom through a hole in the side.
Inside the Invoke are three woofers, three tweeters, and two passive radiators, to deliver 360-degree sound.
Other important hardware specifications include:
Being a Harman Kardon product, the main feature of the Invoke is its ability to play music. With built-in Microsoft Cortana, you can also manage schedules, set reminders, create lists, make and receive hands-free calls with Skype, and control other smart home devices.
At launch, Invoke integrates with three music services:Spotify Premium, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. A fourth, Pandora, will also be available soon. You can select or change your default music provider at any time using the Cortana app for iOS and Android.
Examples of music commands include:
With Spotify, once a song is playing, you can say things like:
Please note that because it is a Bluetooth speaker, the Invoke will also play other audio content, including podcasts and videos from other sources. You can even use “Hey Cortana” commands to get started, like:
Beyond music, Invoke also lets you make hands-free Skype calls to and from mobile phones, landlines, and any Skype-enabled device. Cortana is listening to your Skype conversations Cortana is listening to your Skype conversations Microsoft is adding Cortana to Skype, but to make use of the smart assistant you'll have to let her listen to your conversations. Read More
If you don't already have a Skype account, one is provided in your settings. From there, you can sync your Skype and phone contacts so you can make calls right away.
Invocation allows you to track and keep your appointments whenever you use an Outlook.com calendar. You can add Office 365 and future schedules through Cortana's Notebook feature on Windows or iOS/Android.
Once you've given Cortana access to your calendar How to Schedule Calendar Meetings Hassle-Free How to Use Cortana How to Schedule Calendar Meetings Hassle-Free Using Cortana Smart Meeting Planners has been helpful as they can see your calendar and compare it with other participants. But now, there is a better solution using Microsoft's artificial intelligence. Read More
Examples of calendar commands include:
In addition to letting you keep track of your calendar, Cortana can help you keep track of and keep lists and reminders too. Cortana also integrates with the popular third-party app Wunderlist. You can even say "Hey Cortana" to set timers and alarms.
By definition, smart speakers typically play a role in a smart home environment, and the Invoke is no exception. At launch, the speaker is compatible with many smart home devices and services. Finding the best smart thermostat for your home Finding the best smart thermostat for your home Looking for a good smart thermostat for your home? Keep in mind that some are smarter than others! Take a look – one of these options may be your solution. Read more.
Cortana works with lights, switches, plugs, and thermostats from major providers like SmartThings, Philips Hue, Nest, Wink, and Insteon. They are also working with additional vendors such as Honeywell, Ecobee, TP-Link, Johnson Controls, IFTT, Geeni, Iris by Lowe's, iDevices, and more.
Once you connect your smart home devices to the Invoke, you can say things like, “Hey Cortana, turn off the lights in my bedroom” and “Hey Cortana, set the temperature to 68 degrees.”
One of the reasons Amazon Echo products have remained popular over the years has been the implementation of Alexa Skills 7 Creative Uses for Amazon Echo and Alexa Skills 7 Creative Uses for Amazon Echo and Alexa. I'm still not sure what the Amazon Echo does or if you need one in your home. We're about to find out. Read more . With this SDK, third-party vendors can integrate their tools and products with Amazon Alexa.
For example, thanks to Alexa Skills, you can ask Alexa about today's Associated Press news or last night's NBA scores.
Microsoft Cortana Skills 8 Cortana App Integrations You Need to Try 8 Cortana App Integrations You Need to Try Did you know that Cortana can now cook your dinner, put the kids to bed, and do your laundry? Okay, that's not entirely true, but the potential of Microsoft's personal assistant might surprise you. The Learn job is very similar to Alexa Skills and is available through the Invoke smart speaker. This is where Invoke's list of features will almost certainly grow in the years to come.
Already, Invoke users can use Cortana Skills to ask questions like:
The Harman Kardon Invoke, like other smart speakers, works best when its microphones are on. After all, without the microphones, you can tell. "Hello Cortana" Until the end of the world, and nothing will happen..
Addressing Cortana and privacy, Microsoft explains:
For more information, see Cortana and my Privacy FAQ.
The Harman Kardon Invoke hopes to make a splash in the growing smart speaker market. At launch, it offers many of the same tools found in existing products, except for a more beautiful design. Inside, instead of finding Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, the Invoke is powered by Microsoft Cortana.
First announced in early 2017, the Harman Kardon Invoke is available in Graphite (black) and Pearl/Silver (white). At launch, the speaker is only available in the United States.
You can purchase an Invoke at Microsoft Stores (physical and online), Best Buy (physical and online), and online at HarmanKardon.com.
