What you need to know
- Harman Kardon updated its support page for the Invoke speakers with details about the end of Cortana support.
- The update to convert the Invoke into a Bluetooth speaker will not be available after June 30, 2021.
- Cortana will stop working on the Invoke even if you don't update your device.
Last July, Microsoft announced the end of Cortana support on several platforms and devices. Among those cut is the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker. Now, Harman Kardon has updated the support page for the Invoke speaker with more details about transitioning the device into a Bluetooth speaker.
While the Invoke speaker will no longer support Cortana, there is an update rolling out soon that will convert the device into a Bluetooth speaker.
The update appears to be either rolling out now or will be soon. The support page states that the release date is March 10, 2010, which we assume is a typo as the device came out in 2017. Whether that typo applies to just the year or the date as a whole is unclear. If it is just a typo of the year, the update could start rolling out this week.
What is confirmed is that the update to transition the speaker will not be available after June 30, 2021. The support document states (emphasis added):
This update will not be available after June 30, 2021. If your speaker isn't already connected to the internet, it's encouraged that you connect as soon as possible to ensure you receive the update. Please note that the Cortana service on the Harman Kardon Invoke will end in the coming months regardless of whether you receive the update.
This statement suggests that if you don't perform the update on your Invoke, that it will be significantly less useful, if not useless, after the cutoff date. A Q&A on the support page states, "The Wi-Fi will disable automatically on July 31st, 2021, so please keep your device connected until the Wi-Fi is automatically disabled."
If you have a Harman Kardon Invoke, you could be eligible for a $50 Microsoft gift card. Microsoft has a page on the offer, including eligibility details. You cannot just go grab an Invoke speaker now and try to earn the gift card. You have to have made a voice request on the device before the announcement of the end of Cortana support.
