Microsoft teases speaker to rival Amazon Echo

A 30-second video isn't much to go on, but one thing is clear: Microsoft is set to take on Amazon's Echo and Google's Home with its own AI speaker.

Harman Kardon, which was recently purchased by Samsung, is the manufacturer making the speaker. It is unclear whether there will be a variety of speakers, similar to Amazon's product range.

Its design appears to look similar to the Echo, with a display at the top that lights up with the circular Cortana interface. Cortana is Microsoft's voice-assistant, much like Siri on Apple devices.

Pricing and further details are as yet unknown, but since the speaker is due to debut in 2017, it's likely that Microsoft will start dropping more hints soon.

Recently, Microsoft announced plans for its Windows 10 HomeHub, which will allow you to use the Cortana voice assitant on PCs.

As such, we wouldn't be surprised if this new Cortana speaker had connected functionality with other Microsoft products, similar to how Amazon's Fire 8 HD tablet can be used in conjuction with the Echo and Dot.

MORE: 9 gift ideas for music fans

MORE: Amazon's next Alexa speaker to have touchscreen and better speakers

Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.

Latest in Speakers
Fyne Audio F502S
Fyne Audio's mid-range F500S speakers aim for serious increases in sonic performance, not price
Neat Iota II speakers in white
Neat Iota II are ultra-tiny speakers with big ambitions and are ideal for small spaces
Apple HomePod 2 vs Apple HomePod
The affordable iPhone 16e is all well and good, but where's my new HomePod, Apple?
Piega Premium 701 Gen 2
Piega's latest loudspeaker duo teases cutting-edge performance no matter where you put them
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition wireless speaker
The B&W Zeppelin Pro Edition makes a glaring omission – but it doesn't detract from its five-star performance
Fyne Audio F501E floorstanding speakers
Fyne Audio F501E
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever