Invoke (smart speaker)
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Harman Kardon, Microsoft |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Smart speaker |
| Owner | Harman Kardon, Microsoft |
| Parent | Harman International |
| Website | www |
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Invoke (displayed as INVOKE) is a smart speaker created by Harman Kardon that integrates Microsoft's virtual assistant, Cortana.[1][2] Through voice commands, users can access features such as alarms, factual queries, web searches, weather updates, news briefings, traffic reports, flight information, and other live data. Furthermore, by linking with a user's Microsoft Account, Cortana enables calendar management, reminders, commute details, task lists, and controls for smart home devices.
The speaker offers compatibility with streaming services including Spotify, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn.[3] Notably, it was the pioneering smart speaker to facilitate voice-activated Skype calls.[4] Internally, the device houses seven far-field microphones alongside an audio system comprising three woofers, three tweeters, two passive radiators, and a 40-watt amplifier.[5]
Launch
In December 2016, Microsoft revealed a collaboration with Harman Kardon to create a smart speaker integrated with Cortana, scheduled for release in 2017. A preview of this device was also shared on YouTube.
The official introduction of the speaker occurred on October 2, 2017, and it became available for purchase starting October 22, 2017 through the Microsoft Store and select outlets such as Best Buy. The initial retail price was set at $199.95. During the Black Friday sales weekend, the price was reduced to $99.
Discontinuation
In July 2020, Microsoft declared that support for Cortana on the Invoke speaker would cease in January 2021. Subsequently, the device received a software update converting it into a standard Bluetooth speaker. Additionally, Microsoft provided a $50 gift card to owners who had actively used Cortana on the Invoke between July 31, 2019 and the announcement of its discontinuation.
Independent audio capabilities
The Harman Kardon Invoke operates independently as a Bluetooth wireless speaker and supports Spotify Connect for seamless audio streaming. Built by an established home audio manufacturer, the speaker includes three woofers and three tweeters delivering full-range, 360-degree sound coverage. It also features two passive radiators designed to enhance bass response within its compact design.
Cortana
The Invoke incorporated Microsoft's Cortana smart speaker capabilities, including virtual assistant functionality, music streaming, home automation control, and the ability to make and receive calls from mobile phones, landlines, as well as Skype-to-Skype communication through Skype.
Activation of Cortana was possible either by uttering the wake phrase "Hey Cortana" or by pressing and holding the capacitive touch surface atop the device for three seconds. Once activated, Cortana could be managed using voice commands similar to those employed on Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone 8.1, Xbox One, iOS, and Android platforms.
Since Cortana linked to a user's Microsoft account, the Invoke allowed seamless interaction across all devices with Cortana enabled. This synchronization extended to the user's Cortana Notebook, providing access to appointments, reminders, lists, location suggestions, lifestyle tips, traffic updates, commute details, package tracking, flight information, alarms, weather forecasts, and news topics.
Additionally, the Invoke supported the Cortana Skills Kit, enabling integration with home automation systems, music streaming services, and various mobile applications.
Reception
Early critiques lauded the Invoke for its premium design and build craftsmanship alongside superior audio performance compared to rivals such as Amazon Echo and Google Home. It was described as "an attractive choice for those prioritizing sound quality."
Molly Price from CNET highlighted the Invoke's metal exterior, smooth volume dial, and touchpad as giving it a luxurious feel that justified its higher price relative to Amazon Echo and Google Home. She further observed that its 360-degree audio delivered deeper bass and clearer treble than Amazon’s Echo lineup. Another CNET reviewer, Ty Pendlebury, evaluated the Invoke against the Alexa-powered Sonos One and found them comparably matched, each exhibiting particular strengths and weaknesses.
Devindra Hardawar of Engadget commended the Invoke’s sound quality extensively, stating it "sounds exceptional," making it especially appealing to audiophiles. He contrasted its rich and detailed audio with the Echo’s comparatively flat and inexpensive sound profile. Hardawar also emphasized the superior build quality of the Invoke: unlike the entirely plastic Echo, the Invoke featured a predominantly metallic casing with minimal plastic near its base. The control dial was noted for its smooth operation and tactile feel reminiscent of high-end audio equipment. He attributed this success to Harman Kardon’s longstanding expertise in audio manufacturing.
Both reviews pointed out that although Microsoft’s Cortana lagged behind other virtual assistants in terms of available features at launch, the planned collaboration between Microsoft and Amazon to integrate Alexa with Cortana—allowing cross-platform assistant functionality—was expected to address these limitations. However, as of February 2020, this integration had yet to materialize.
See also
References
- ↑ "Harman Kardon Invoke review: Cortana gets a speaker of its own".
- ↑ "Harman Kardon Invoke review: The first Cortana speaker sounds amazing".
- ↑ "Harman Kardon Invoke review".
- ↑ "Harman Kardon teases the Invoke speaker, a Cortana-powered Echo competitor".
- ↑ "Harman Kardon Invoke review: Cortana isn't too comfortable in the home yet".