In partnership with Harmon Kardon, Microsoft appears to be preparing a Cortana-powered smart home speaker called the Invoke. The device will be capable of three primary tasks – playing music, making and receiving calls via Skype, and giving Cortana a list of voice commands similar to what rivals in the space have offered using their own assistant algorithms.

Based on a preview page recently published on Harmon Kardon’s website, the Invoke features an ergonomic metallic design crafted from premium materials and a 360-degree metallic speaker cabinet to provide full-range audio dispersion throughout the home or office environment.

Upon first glance, the Invoke looks very similar to an Amazon Echo but features a wider base that tapers towards the top. The entire 360-degree speaker grill is the most evident aspect of the design, almost likened to that of an electric pencil sharpener, while covering the majority of the speaker cabinet. In contrast, the Amazon Echo’s speaker grill openings only extend about halfway up the device.

Back in November, Google launched its own smart speaker called "Home" in the US and made it available in the UK earlier last month, while Apple’s Siri-based smart speaker has been in prototype testing since last fall and is scheduled for release in the second half of 2017. In terms of pricing for full-sized smart speakers, Google offers the cheapest option at $114, followed by the Amazon Echo at $179. Apple’s device is expected to be priced above the Echo, there is currently no pricing mentioned for the Invoke.

Invoke may include proprietary DSP audio technology

It seems that Microsoft has chosen to partner with well-known audio industry icon Harmon Kardon to avoid any stigma associated with poor audio quality or speaker design choices. Harmon Kardon currently sells the Aura Studio, a $399 wireless Bluetooth home speaker system featuring a 360-degrees of room filling sound using proprietary DSP technology. The result is a balanced, richer sound with enhanced equalization with the added benefit of echo and noise cancellation.



Microsoft Cortana-powered Invoke vs. Harmon Kardon Aura Studio Bluetooth home speaker system

Apple has already indicated that it may use a modified version of iOS with Beats audio technology to power its own smart home speaker, and now it appears that Harmon Kardon has been developing a competitive custom sound profile for customers who purchase Microsoft’s Cortana-powered device.

Available this fall from Harmon Kardon partnering retailers

Harmon Kardon’s website lists the Microsoft Cortana-powered Invoke smart speaker with a fall 2017 launch date, and gives the option to be notified by email when it becomes available. Given current industry trends, Microsoft will likely price the speaker below $200 to stay competitive with Google and Amazon, though the pricing structure could always change once Apple’s unit receives its own announcement.