FRITZ!OS 8.50 Launches with Enhanced Features: DNS Filtering, Automatic Prioritization, and Matter Bridge Support

FRITZ!, the renowned networking company based in Berlin and formerly known as AVM, has commenced the deployment of FRITZ!OS 8.50, a significant firmware update for its routers and mesh repeaters. The initial model to receive this latest software update is the FRITZ!Box 7690, with the update set to be rolled out to all existing FRITZ!Box and FRITZ!Repeater models in the following weeks.

This release encompasses various areas, ranging from enhanced diagnostic tools to additional smart home automations. The primary focus, as stated by the company, lies in enhancing the stability and security of the home network. Among the noteworthy additions are a new DNS filter, expanded failover protection, and the automatic prioritization of real-time data streams. These changes are specifically tailored to cater to the needs of activities such as home working, online gaming, and smart home usage.

Users who have enabled the automatic update feature will receive the FRITZ!OS 8.50 installation without any manual intervention. Alternatively, manual update requests can be initiated by logging into the router at fritz.box and selecting “Start Update” in the user interface. A comprehensive list of new features and modifications can be accessed on the FRITZ! website at fritz.com/fritzos.

It is essential to note that not every feature will be simultaneously available on every model. Several of the new functions, including DNS filtering and automatic prioritization, will debut on the FRITZ!Box 7690 initially and gradually extend to other selected models as the rollout progresses.

The most substantial security enhancement in FRITZ!OS 8.50 is a router-level DNS filter. When a connected device such as a phone or laptop visits a website, it communicates with a DNS server to translate the domain name into the required numerical IP address for establishing the connection. By intercepting these requests, the router can block domains listed on a block list from being resolved.

With the update, the FRITZ!Box 7690 can prevent devices on the home network from accessing specified domains. The router supports standard procedures for importing and processing lists of domain names, enabling users to utilize publicly available DNS filter lists instead of creating their own. These lists can filter out various types of content, including advertising and tracking services, malware distribution sites, phishing pages, and unwanted content related to botnet infrastructure.

When a device attempts to access a blocked address on the network, the FRITZ!Box automatically blocks the query. Since the filtration occurs at the router level, it applies to all devices on the network without requiring individual software installations. This approach aligns with the functionality of dedicated network-wide blockers like Pi-hole and AdGuard Home, typically running on separate hardware. FRITZ! mentions that this feature will gradually become available on additional selected models as part of the rollout.

FRITZ!OS 8.50 also introduces Smart Check, a novel diagnostic feature within the MyFRITZ!App. It exhibits the current status of the FRITZ!Box directly on the app’s start screen and delivers recommendations, notifications, and alerts across various technical aspects such as internet connection, telephony, home network, Wi-Fi, LAN, USB, smart home, and security.

Each element is accompanied by precise guidance on resolving issues. For instance, Smart Check will flag the absence of a mesh connection to a repeater and provide guidance on blocking undesired calls to premium-rate numbers. The overall status is conveniently visible on the start page, and a simple tap on “Smart Check” unveils a more detailed analysis.

FRITZ!Box routers have long offered the option to prioritize individual devices on the network. With FRITZ!OS 8.50, the capability to automatically prioritize specific real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming has been introduced. The router autonomously identifies these applications and allocates priority within the home network without requiring manual configuration. This feature aims to maintain stable connections when the network experiences heavy traffic. When a prioritized connection is active, the user interface displays this information alongside the relevant network device, and the activity can be reviewed for up to 24 hours post-usage. Similar to DNS filtering, automatic prioritization will be phased into selected models over the upcoming weeks.

FRITZ! Failsafe, the failover protection feature of the company, ensures the continuity of a home network in case of a primary internet connection failure. With FRITZ!OS 8.50, this feature is now available on FRITZ!Box models designed for 4G and 5G mobile broadband. For the first time, these mobile broadband routers can establish an internet connection through a LAN port. This setup enables them to link to an upstream device such as an optical network terminal (ONT) in a full fiber connection. In this configuration, the wired connection serves as the primary link, and FRITZ! Failsafe switches internet provision to the mobile network temporarily if the landline or fiber connection encounters an issue.

The update also brings modifications to the FRITZ!Fon series of DECT cordless phones. A new simple mode streamlines menu navigation to the essential functions. Upon activation, the softkeys turn into quick-dial buttons, each assigned to a specific phone number or function. The simple mode incorporates an integrated SOS call feature, allowing users to store up to four emergency contacts. In case of an emergency, the handset automatically dials these contacts sequentially, and the time interval between calls can be adjusted. This mode caters to users prioritizing accessibility and user-friendly interfaces.

In the smart home domain, FRITZ!OS 8.50 introduces a safety feature for the FRITZ!Smart Energy 200 and 210 smart plugs, as well as the upcoming FRITZ!Smart Energy 201 indoor model. These plugs can now be set to turn off automatically if a predefined current limit is exceeded for a specific duration. Additionally, preconfigured automations like “Leaving the House,” “Coming Home,” and “Holidays” have been added. These automations can be easily configured and triggered using zones or geofences established in the FRITZ!App Smart Home. The subsequent update will enable routines to combine multiple triggers, including geofences defined on each smartphone. This functionality will allow users to create routines that activate only when all residents have left the house, for instance.

The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro now supports Matter bridge functionality, enabling it to act as a Matter bridge. Matter is an industry standard for smart home devices intended to facilitate cross-platform interoperability among products from various manufacturers. Consequently, all FRITZ! Smart Home devices and compatible smart home devices from other manufacturers registered with the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro can be integrated into an existing Matter network managed by Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. This integration also permits the control of these devices via voice commands through the respective virtual assistants.

FRITZ!OS 8.50 is currently accessible for the FRITZ!Box 7690 as a complimentary firmware update. It will be progressively deployed to all existing FRITZ!Box and FRITZ!Repeater models in the forthcoming weeks, while features like DNS filtering and automatic prioritization will be introduced to additional selected models gradually. Multi-trigger routines for smart home automations are anticipated to be included in the subsequent update.

In conclusion, the latest FRITZ!OS 8.50 firmware update brings an array of enhancements and new features to FRITZ!Box and FRITZ!Repeater models, focusing on stability, security, and efficiency in the home network setup. With various additions like DNS filtering, automatic prioritization, improved diagnostics, and smart home automations, users can expect an optimized and secure networking experience tailored to their needs.