Harman Kardon has unveiled a stylish new intelligent speaker, Harman Kardon Allure.
The curved design of this premium home audio device is closer to the forthcoming Apple HomePod than the Pringles-esque Amazon Echo.
The transparent dome is a nice design flair that should help the Allure stand-out from the plethora of other smart speakers on the market.
Allure boasts a refined and powerful audio performance, Harman announced during its IFA press conference.
Transducers and a built-in 3.5 subwoofer are included to produce 360-degrees of rich sound designed to fill every corner of the room.
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To compliment its 360-degree sound pedigree, Harman has fitted the Alure with 360-degree multicoloured lighting as well.
As you’d expect, the Harman Kardon Allure supports wireless audio streaming over Bluetooth – but the real star of the show is Alexa.
Premium audio brand Harman Kardon have paired with Amazon to bring the US retail company’s hugely-popular smart assistant to the Allure.
Harman has built-in a four-microphone array with advanced noise cancellation to enable hands-free voice control from across the room.
By using the wake-word “Alexa”, users can ask the Allure to play music, check the latest headlines and sport scores, control your smart home devices, order a take-away, check on the progress of your Amazon order and more.
Harman Kardon Allure works with the 15,000 or so Alexa Skills that are already available.
President of the Lifestyle Audio Division at Harman, Michael Mauser said: “We’re excited, to integrate with Amazon Alexa to deliver a beautiful speaker with astounding audio coupled with all the intelligent features of Alexa.
“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.”
Users can connect to the Harman Kardon Allure via a dual-band Wi-Fi network.
Vice President of Amazon Alexa, Steve Rabuchin said: “The Allure smart speaker will bring Harman Kardon’s premium audio and the 20,000+ skills available for Amazon Alexa to even more customers.
“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 will set you back £249.99.
The intelligent speaker will be available for purchase later this year from HarmanKardon.com and Amazon.co.uk