FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro gains Matter support in new FRITZ! Lab update

FRITZ! GmbH has released a new FRITZ! Lab update for download for its FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro router. This update prepares the device for the upcoming FRITZ!OS 8.50 release and introduces support for the Matter smart home standard for the first time.

The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro will function as a Matter bridge, connecting FRITZ!'s own smart home devices and compatible products from other manufacturers to a Matter network. This allows FRITZ! Smart Home devices, such as the FRITZ!Smart Thermo 302, to be integrated into third-party Matter networks, enhancing interoperability with platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.

The company will offer two methods for controlling FRITZ! devices across platforms: either via the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro with the FRITZ! Lab update or through the dedicated FRITZ!Smart Gateway. FRITZ! Lab versions provide users with a preview of upcoming FRITZ!OS features, including enhancements in security and energy efficiency.

FRITZ! had previously announced Matter support availability via the FRITZ!Smart Gateway. The new FRITZ! Lab version for the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro integrates this support directly into the router, reinforcing the company's commitment to smart home interoperability standards. FRITZ! encourages users to test the new functionalities and provide feedback for ongoing development.