Harman Kardon's Cortana-powered Echo rival makes Skype calls

harman-kardon-and-039;s-cortanapowered-echo-rival-makes-skype-calls photo 1 Harmon/Kardon

If last year was all about the rise of Alexa and Google Assistant, 2017 could be reserved for Cortana and Siri. Apple is reportedly due to launch its oft-rumored connected speaker at its WWDC conference next month, but Microsoft has been quite open about its plan to expand its AI assistant beyond mobile and the desktop. In December, it teamed up with audio specialist Harmon Kardon to begin building the first in a wider line of connected speakers, but details have been scarce. However, thanks to a (now pulled) landing page on the Samsung-owned company's website, we now have a name -- Invoke -- and a better understanding of what will offer.

As you can see from the shots provided, which were spotted by Thurrott.com, Invoke's cylindrical shape is reminiscent of the Amazon Echo. While Amazon's device is all plastic, Harman Kardon has gone for a premium look with its "metallic speaker cabinet." When the speaker is activated, a Cortana light ring is displayed on the top of the device.

harman-kardon-and-039;s-cortanapowered-echo-rival-makes-skype-calls photo 2

One of the major messages in the Invoke's marketing material is Cortana's ability to "get things done." This will include allowing users to control their music, connecting to devices inside a smart home and also the ability to make and receive Skype calls. This would allow Microsoft and Harman Kardon to market the speaker as much more than just an assistant.

While the landing page doesn't give a definitive launch date, it does note that the Invoke will be available from "fall 2017". There's no word on pricing either, but judging from the product shots, it will also be available in two colors: black and grey. Microsoft is expected to share more information on its plans for its AI assistant at its BUILD conference later this week, so we could learn some additional details about the Invoke then.

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