Parallels' new Mobile app works with iOS devices and allows users to remotely access and control their Mac computers. (Credit: Parallels)
Parallels has launched a new version of its popular virtualization software for running Windows on Maccomputers.
For Mac users who prefer to run their Mac and Windows programs side-by-side without rebooting, the new Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac promises a more seamless experience by bringing Lion functionality to their Windows software. For instance, you can now add programs from your Windows virtual machine to the LaunchPad and have it sit right beside your native Mac applications. New gestures added in Lion, now work in Windows programs as well, including the ability to switch programs to a full-screen view.
Other improvements from the previous version include a substantial speed boost of up to 60 percent when resuming Windows and the ability to use the iSight Webcam simultaneously in both Mac and Windows environments. For the first time ever, users can also run multiple virtual instances of OS X Lion on top of the existing host operating system, which should be very useful for Mac developers when it comes to testing their apps.
Parallels also announced a new mobile app which will work with iOS devices such as the iPad and iPhone and allows users to access and control their Mac and Windows applications remotely. This mobile app is available in the App Store at a US$4.99 introductory offer, which will revert to a standard retail price of US$19.99 in the future.
Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac will be available in Singapore on September 7 for S$129. The company offers a student edition for S$69 available at retail stores operated by MacShop and Sapura while existing Parallels Desktop users can also upgrade to the latest version for S$69.
