Invoke design and hardware
The top is touch-enabled and there is a frosted display that shows Cortana in listing mode and volume level. In addition, at the top of the device is where you’ll find the seven far-field microphone array, allowing the device to hear you no matter where you are in the room.
Harman Kardon Invoke with Cortana top
In the back, there are only two buttons: one to mute the speaker and one to pair Bluetooth devices, and there is even a micro USB port for diagnostic next to the power connection.
Harman Kardon Invoke with Cortana bottom
Inside, there are three tweeters and three mid-range drivers positioned in a way that offers 360-degree sound. In comparison, the Echo only has one mid-range driver and one tweeter.
| Harman Kardon Invoke tech specs |
|---|
| Rated power |
| Frequency response |
| Speakers woofer |
| Dome tweeter |
| Bluetooth version |
| Power supply |
| Power cable length |
| Wireless network |
| Dimensions (DxH) |
| Weight |
| Supported audio formats |
It’s tough to compare speakers when you’re simply looking at their design and specs; more important is how they sound, but the Invoke gets the approval of awesome sound.
Invoke setup
In order to set up the Harman Invoke, you’ll need to use the Cortana app on Windows 10 or the app for Android or iPhone. The voice-activated speaker will appear as a device in the Cortana settings, and the complete setup takes only a few seconds.
Once the device is connected, the only thing left is to say, “Hey, Cortana,” and start using voice commands, just like on your PC or phone.
You can ask things like the current weather, directions, news, definitions, and almost anything you like.
Harman Kardon Invoke with Cortana in Pearl Silver
Where Cortana shines the most is in tackling work-oriented tasks. For example, the assistant does a pretty good job adding new events to your Outlook calendar, creating reminders, and integrating with services offered by Microsoft.
Though sending an email is not yet supported, Cortana integrates with Skype to make phone calls.
You can also control smart home devices through Cortana, which works with Wink, Nest, Insteon, StartThings, and Hue.
Music streaming
At this point in time, the biggest downside of the device is the limited number of audio services Cortana can use. Since Microsoft no longer has a music streaming service , you’re left with Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio.
Pandora integration is not available, but Microsoft says that it is working with the company to bring the service in the future. In addition, Microsoft is trying to bring other services, such as SoundCloud and Deezer, but it’s not clear when this is going to happen.
If you don’t want to use voice commands, you can also control any supported music services using their apps on your phone or computer.
There is no doubt that if you’re looking for a good voice-activated speaker that sounds great, easily fills up the room, and looks fantastic, the Invoke is the one to get, even more, if you’re immersed in the Microsoft ecosystem.
