Harman Kardon’s latest is an Alexa-compatible speaker called Allure

It’s been a huge 2017 for Alexa as Amazon’s voice-assistant has made its way to a variety of third-party devices in recent months. After Anker unveiled its more affordable Echo Dot competitor, we’re now seeing Harman Kardon make a run, too.

The Alure Smart Speaker features a design that, well, leaves something to be desired. It’s not the most sleek release from Harman Kardon in recent memory by any means. But for those looking for Alexa capabilities in a more powerful package, this new device might fit the bill.

Like most other Alexa-enabled devices on the market, Harmon Kardon’s Alure has most of the technical specs we’ve come to see on similar releases. That includes multiple microphones (four, in this case) and far-field voice communication, which as become a staple with Alexa releases. It has ambient lighting and can also stream Bluetooth music from a connected smartphone or tablet.

Alure has a chance to really standout from the competition if it delivers the signature Harman Kardon sound that we’ve come to know over the years. Amazon’s own Alexa devices are mediocre at best when it comes to sound quality so this is a chance for Harman to stand on its own.

Harman Kardon is set to offer its new Allure speaker for $250 when it ships this winter. That puts it at a premium in comparison to other Alexa speakers out there, which is no surprise.

[9to5-press-release]

HARMAN introduces Harman Kardon Allure with Amazon Alexa to the Voice Activated Speaker Family

Amazon Alexa voice-activated speaker combines voice control, iconic design and beautiful Harman Kardon sound

IFA 2017, BERLIN – AUGUST 31, 2017 – HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise market, today introduced the Harman Kardon Allure. An intelligent speaker with Amazon Alexa Voice Service, the Allure complements any home space with its stunning design and beautiful 360-degreel Harman Kardon sound.

By pairing Harman Kardon’s refined and powerful audio performance with Alexa’s intuitive voice technology, Allure brings discerning music-lovers a rich premium listening experience, anywhere anytime, around the home.

Harman Kardon Allure is hands free and controlled by voice commands. Just ask Alexa to play music, read the news, control a smart home, make purchases from Amazon Prime, and more. Even in noisy environments, proprietary far-field voice technology allows the speaker to hear commands from a far distance. Alexa is always getting smarter and customers can enable more than 20,000 skills, which makes using Harman Kardon Allure a truly personal experience.

The sturdy yet elegant transparent design of Allure blends into any interior with a subtle touch of delicacy and ease. Place it anywhere and the speaker will be able to fill any space with refined and powerful 360-degree Harman Kardon sound.

Harman Kardon Allure’s stunning 360-degree ambient lighting design glows from within. The ambient light will react to the voice commands and move along with the rhythm of the music.

“We’re excited, to integrate with Amazon Alexa to deliver a beautiful speaker with astounding audio coupled with all the intelligent features of Alexa,” said Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio Division at HARMAN. “Research shows the number one use of digital voice services is music streaming and Allure with its premium sound quality, iconic design, and exceptional voice-enabled technology, will produce a spectacular sound experience while delivering on our promise of elevating a connected life through smart technology.”

“The Allure smart speaker will bring Harman Kardon’s premium audio and the 20,000+ skills available for Amazon Alexa to even more customers,” said Steve Rabuchin, VP Amazon Alexa. “This is a great benefit for customers who love quality music and want a voice service in their home. Customers can just ask Alexa to play great sounding music, control their smart home, get news or weather, play games, order food, and more.”

Harman Kardon Allure with Amazon Alexa ($249.95) will be available for purchase starting winter 2017 on www.harmankardon.com and www.amazon.com.

KEY FEATURES

  • Powered by Amazon Alexa Voice Service: Connect to Alexa through dual-band Wi-Fi, just ask and Alexa will provide information, place an order, play music, and more. It’s always getting smarter and adding new features with more than 20,000 Alexa skills.
  • Far-field Voice Recognition:  Built-in 4-microphone array with advanced noise cancellation technology allows for hands-free voice control from across the room.
  • 360-Degree Sound: Transducers and built-in subwoofer produce 360-degrees of rich and powerful sound that fills up every corner of the room.
  • 360-Degree ambient Lighting: 360-Degree, multicolored and responsive lighting in an iconic design to elevate and enhance any décor.
  • Wireless Bluetooth Streaming: Stream room-filling music wirelessly from your mobile devices via Bluetooth.

Follow HARMAN online

  • Find more news at the HARMAN Newsroom
  • Like HARMAN on Facebook
  • Connect with Harman on LinkedIn
  • Check out our YouTube Channel
  • Follow HARMAN on Twitter @harman
  • Follow Twitter Hashtag #Harman

About HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things.  With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

 

[/9to5-press-release]

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