Parallels launches Desktop for Mac 4.0

Parallels has popped out the next major release of its virtualization tool, Desktop for Mac, which lets users of Intel-based Mac systems seamlessly run Windows applications. Version 4.0 claims to improve OS integration, performs up to 50% faster and incorporates a redesigned user interface and over 50 new features and improvements in total.

This release also improves battery life by a claimed 20% when using Parallels on a notebook, adds 64-bit support and the ability to make better use of multi-core processors. Graphics performance has been improved as well with added support for DirectX 9, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0 and OpenGL 2.0 – though the company admits hardcore gamers are better off using a native install.

Parallels Desktop 4.0 costs $79.99 but users can test a free, fully-functional copy for 15 days. Existing users can upgrade for $39.99 until the end of November or $49.99 afterwards. Check out the full list of new features over at the Parallels site.