AI-powered smart speakers seem to be the next big trend in tech, with Amazon Echo and Google Home getting off to a great start. In December, we started to receive hints about a Cortana-powered device, and we can now confirm that it's coming very soon.
Today Harman Kardon did a full reveal of the device it calls ‘Invoke'.
“At the heart of Invoke is Cortana, your personal digital assistant, helping you stay on top of what's important,” says the web page. “Enhance every moment with captivating sound, voice control your music and smart home, make and receive hands-free calls with Skype, get answers to your questions, and more.”
360-degree Design
Though the features are pretty much as expected, the design of Harman Kardon's speaker is now clear. It's not the first smart speaker the company has designed, previously working on Alexa devices with Lenovo.
The company has opted for a slightly different design this time, soft combinations of fabric and smooth metal giving way to a tapered, grilled design.
It looks fairly similar to the Echo, though admittedly more premium. It comes with serious specifications to back that idea. Invoke will feature three woofers and three tweeters versus Echo's one. Presumably, it will cost a little more than Amazon's device, though the pricing is not yet known.
Whatever the case, this marks the first Cortana-powered speaker and could hint at more to come. Microsoft will reveal more about its Cortana Skills kit at Build 2017 tomorrow, and that may come with more devices.
However, if your mind is set on Harman Kardon, you can register your interest here.
