A Retrospective Review of the Harmon Kardon Invoke Smart Speaker

The Harmon Kardon Invoke, a smart speaker released several years ago, holds a unique place in audio history. It boasted impressive sound quality for its time, a sleek design, and the integration of Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant. However, its lifespan was relatively short, and it’s now largely discontinued. This review aims to offer a retrospective look at the device, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in today’s crowded smart speaker market. We’ll delve into the audio performance, the user experience with Cortana, and consider whether it remains a worthwhile purchase for those who might find one secondhand. The journey through the Invoke’s legacy begins here.

Sound Quality and Design: A Harmon Kardon Signature

Harmon Kardon has long been renowned for its high-fidelity audio products, and the Invoke was no exception. Even by today’s standards, the sound quality is commendable. The speaker delivered rich, full-bodied audio with surprisingly deep bass for its size. Mid-range frequencies were clear and well-defined, and the high frequencies were crisp and bright, avoiding any harshness. The overall sound profile was balanced and enjoyable for listening to a wide variety of music genres, from classical to electronic dance music. The speaker’s design itself was elegant and minimalist, featuring a cylindrical form factor with a fabric-covered exterior. It seamlessly blended into various home decors, avoiding the often-gaudy aesthetic of some competing smart speakers.

A Detailed Look at the Audio Performance

The Invoke’s performance excelled in several key areas. Firstly, the bass response was surprisingly robust. Many compact smart speakers struggle to reproduce low frequencies effectively, but the Invoke managed to deliver a satisfying punch, adding depth and richness to the overall sound. Secondly, the mid-range clarity was noteworthy. Vocals were reproduced accurately, with excellent detail and separation. This allowed for clear and intelligible listening experiences, even with complex musical arrangements. Finally, the high frequencies were bright without being harsh or sibilant, contributing to a well-balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

However, the speaker wasn’t without its audio limitations. At maximum volume, some distortion could be heard, particularly with bass-heavy tracks. This wasn’t a significant issue at moderate volume levels, but it was noticeable at higher volumes. Additionally, while the soundstage was decent for a single-unit speaker, it didn’t offer the immersive experience of more advanced multi-speaker systems.

Cortana Integration: A Mixed Bag

The Invoke’s integration with Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant was a key feature at its launch. Cortana offered a variety of functionalities, including setting reminders, playing music, controlling smart home devices, and making calls. The voice recognition capabilities were generally reliable, though occasionally it struggled with accents or background noise. The integration with Microsoft services like Outlook and Skype was smooth and convenient. However, Cortana’s overall popularity and feature set never quite matched those of Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, which significantly impacted the Invoke’s long-term viability.

Cortana’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Cortana’s integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem was a significant advantage. If you were already heavily invested in Microsoft services, the Invoke provided a seamless extension of that ecosystem into your home. However, the lack of third-party skill support was a considerable drawback. Unlike Alexa and Google Assistant, Cortana’s skill library was relatively limited, restricting the Invoke’s overall functionality. This significantly reduced the device’s appeal to a wider user base. Moreover, Cortana’s voice responses, while clear, sometimes lacked the personality and naturalness of its competitors.

• Seamless integration with Microsoft services.
• Reliable voice recognition in most situations.
• Limited third-party skill support.
• Less developed personality compared to other assistants.

Connectivity and Features: A Closer Examination

The Harmon Kardon Invoke offered standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Wi-Fi connection was generally stable and reliable, ensuring consistent performance with Cortana and music streaming services. Bluetooth pairing was straightforward and allowed for easy connection with other devices. Beyond basic connectivity, the Invoke lacked some features found in competing smart speakers. There was no support for multi-room audio, nor was there any built-in support for other popular music streaming services beyond those directly integrated with Cortana. This limited the device’s versatility and appeal to users with diverse streaming habits.

Furthermore, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack was a noticeable omission. This prevented users from connecting external audio sources, which restricted its flexibility as a sound system. While the microphone array was effective for voice commands, its performance in noisy environments could be inconsistent. In short, while the Invoke offered essential connectivity features, it lacked the advanced options and broader integration found in more modern smart speakers.

Is the Harmon Kardon Invoke Worth Buying in 2024?

Given its discontinuation and the advancements in smart speaker technology, the Harmon Kardon Invoke’s appeal in 2024 is limited. While its sound quality remains impressive, the lack of Cortana support and the limited features make it a less attractive option compared to modern alternatives. Unless you are a dedicated collector of vintage audio technology or can acquire one at a significantly low price, there are more versatile and feature-rich smart speakers available on the market. The strengths of its audio capabilities are outweighed by the limitations of its obsolete software and lack of integration with current services. It’s a testament to its quality that the audio remains competitive, but its functionality is severely hampered by its age.

Considering its limitations, the Invoke is best viewed as a historical artifact, a representation of a specific point in the evolution of smart speakers. Its legacy lies in its impressive audio for its size and its early attempt at integrating a digital assistant. The Invoke’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly technology advances and how crucial software support is to the longevity of a product. While the sound quality holds up relatively well, the outdated software makes it difficult to recommend for practical, everyday use.

• Excellent sound quality, even by today’s standards.
• Elegant and minimalist design.
• Obsolete Cortana support and limited functionality.
• Lack of modern features found in competing speakers.
• Limited availability due to discontinuation.