Skype is expanding to ambient devices—giving you a new, uniquely intelligent platform for Skype calling that extends beyond PC and mobile devices.

The Harman Kardon Invoke speaker, with Cortana by Microsoft, is the first of these devices embedded with easy, voice-activated Skype calling to your Skype contacts, phone contacts, and local businesses.

In addition to Skype-to-Skype calling, which is always free, Invoke also features unlimited free outbound calling from the U.S. to mobiles and landlines based in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Restrictions apply—please read the Terms and Conditions of the full offer.

Invoke responds to your voice commands, such as “Hey Cortana, call mom” or “Hey Cortana, call the closest pharmacy.” You can also ask Cortana to call a specific phone number to reach a contact not yet assigned.

Skype

Competition for Google Home and Echo would be nice but not at the $199 price point.