The new FRITZ!Lab launches: even more convenience and security in the digital home
The new FRITZ!Lab launches: even greater convenience and security for the digital home
FRITZ! invites users to test the upcoming FRITZ!OS 8.50 operating system within the FRITZ!Lab platform. The new software version lays the foundation for expanded MyFRITZ!App features, optimizes the industry-renowned security architecture, and introduces a range of improvements in parental controls, telephony, Smart Home, and device migration.
The FRITZ!Lab initiative allows technology enthusiasts to freely test and evaluate the latest features and improvements before their official release, providing the manufacturer with valuable feedback. The test program begins with the extremely popular FRITZ!Box 7590 AX. In the coming months, the project will expand to include additional devices, including: The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro model, which in this version will receive the Matter Bridge function, opening up new possibilities for Smart Home integration.
Highlights of FRITZ!OS 8.50 (FRITZ!Lab version):
1. Convenience and ease of use
Easier transition to the new FRITZ!Box: The wizard responsible for transferring settings and configurations to the new device has been optimized. Users can now easily remove unused devices before migration and access helpful tips.
Improved integration with MyFRITZ!App: Communication and notifications between the router and the mobile app have been improved. These changes prepare the app to serve as a central management point for the home network, analyzing the home network environment and suggesting optimal settings.
Faster local access: The router's user interface can now also be accessed via the simplified address fritzbox.local, which simplifies login and helps avoid warning messages in some web browsers.
Parental Controls: Event messages in the parental control section now show detailed information about the device that attempted to access the blocked IP address.
2. Security and Data Protection
Warnings about Risky Port Sharing: When configuring port forwarding (port sharing), the system will automatically inform the user if the selected port may pose a potential threat to the network's cybersecurity.
3. Telephony and Emergency Functions
Simplified Telephone Mode: A new mode allows you to program function buttons (so-called soft keys) as speed dial buttons, assigning specific phone numbers or actions to them.
SOS Emergency Calls: This feature allows you to configure up to four emergency contacts, which will be automatically dialed by the system sequentially if necessary. Users can now also adjust the duration and number of repetitions of the emergency sequence.
Contact Management: Telephone numbers in the FRITZ!Box address book can now be conveniently sorted and transferred directly from the FRITZ!Fon handset.
4. Smart Home
Overload protection for smart plugs: FRITZ!Smart Energy 200 and 210 smart plugs can automatically cut off power if a defined current limit is exceeded for a specified period.
Advanced automation rules: The new update introduces the ability to create advanced "if this, then that" (IFTTT) scenarios using multiple independent triggers, allowing a single routine to be triggered by different smart home devices.
How to join the test? A detailed changelog, software installation instructions, and FRITZ!Lab installation files for supported models can be found on the official website: www.fritz.com/labor.
