Tech giants are racing to dominate the smart speaker market, which kicked off in 2014 with Amazon's Echo and Alexa. Google followed in 2016 with Google Home and Assistant, and Apple planned the HomePod with Siri by late 2017.
Microsoft entered the fray through Harman Kardon, launching the Invoke in October 2017—the first Cortana-powered wireless speaker. With premium audio and smart features, it's designed to blend seamlessly into your home.
This guide draws from hands-on experience to detail the Invoke's features, compatibility, and performance, helping you decide if it's the right fit.
Cortana powers the Invoke, but setup doesn't require a Windows PC. It supports:
As an Apple user with years testing smart devices, I set mine up effortlessly via iPhone using the free Cortana iOS app.
The Invoke stands out for its elegant design—a premium take on the original Amazon Echo, with a stylish speaker grille and tapering chrome bezel.
Touch-free operation is key, but intuitive physical controls enhance usability. The top illuminated touchpad glows blue and white for 'Hey Cortana,' red for mute, and white for volume adjustments.
Seven far-field microphones ensure 360-degree voice pickup, paired with a volume ring that brightens or dims the touchpad light as you adjust.
Lower controls include a mic mute button, Bluetooth indicator, and reset. The power cable connects via a bottom side port.
Audio prowess comes from three woofers, three tweeters, and two passive radiators for immersive 360-degree sound.
As a Harman Kardon product, superior music playback defines the Invoke. Cortana adds scheduling, reminders, lists, Skype calls, and smart home control.
Launch integrations: Spotify Premium, TuneIn, iHeartRadio (Pandora soon after). Switch defaults via Cortana app.
Commands like: "Hey Cortana, play [song] by [artist]" or "Hey Cortana, play the latest Adele album."
With Spotify: "Hey Cortana, what's this song?" or "Hey Cortana, follow this playlist."
As a Bluetooth speaker, it handles podcasts and more. Voice controls work: "Hey Cortana, Bluetooth pair," "pause/resume/next/previous," or "turn up the volume."
Make calls to phones, landlines, or Skype devices. Sync contacts via app; new users get an account.
Syncs with Outlook.com, Office 365 via Cortana Notebook. Commands: "Hey Cortana, what's on my calendar today?" "What do I have Friday 3-5pm?" "Next meeting?"
Manages lists, reminders (integrates Wunderlist), timers, alarms.
Works with SmartThings, Philips Hue, Nest, Wink, Insteon; expanding to Honeywell, Ecobee, more.
Commands: "Hey Cortana, turn off bedroom lights" or "Set temperature to 68 degrees."
Like Alexa Skills, Cortana Skills enable third-party integrations. Examples: "Hey Cortana, ask Capital One how much I spent last weekend?" or "Ask OpenTable to reserve a table."
Mics must be active for wake word. Microsoft prioritizes privacy; see Cortana Privacy FAQ for details.
The Invoke joins competitors with refined design, Cortana smarts, and premium audio. Available in Graphite or Pearl/Silver, U.S. only at launch via Microsoft Store, Best Buy, HarmanKardon.com.
