Parallels just recently released its new Access application that allows users to remotely control their Windows or Mac computer from an iPad, and now the company has revealed the launch date of Parallels Desktop 9.
The new iteration of the company's popular software is set to launch next week and will come with a host of new features and speed improvements.
This time around, 3D graphics and basic web browsing both clock in at 15% faster, according to the company. Other notable speed improvements are a 25% faster startup and shutdown time, as well as being able suspend virtual machines 20% faster.
Parallels Desktop 9 will have enhanced Windows 8 and 8.1 support, bringing back the "real Start menu," while letting users run "Metro apps in a window instead of full-screen." It will now include support for various cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and more, meaning you can sync files between your Mac and Windows virtual machine without having all of those messy and unorganized duplicates. Here are few more notable additions:
* Security Center: Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location
* Power Nap support: On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date
* Mac gestures inside Windows apps: Parallels Desktop now includes the addition of the Dictionary lookup gesture in Windows applications
* Thunderbolt and Firewire storage device support: For convenience of everyday use, customers can connect those devices directly to a Windows virtual machine
* PDF printer for Windows: Lets people print from any Windows application to a PDF on the Mac desktop, even if the application doesn't have that functionality
* Linux guest integration: Parallels Desktop customers who use Linux now have additional and enhanced integration with the Mac OS
Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac will launch at retail on September 5 for $80, but upgrades for existing users are starting today. Current Parallels Desktop 7 or 8 for Mac users can pick up Parallels 9 for $50. Those who purchased Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac on or after August 15 from an authorized dealer are eligible for the upgrade for free, according to the company. The student edition of the new software will cost $40.
The company has also announced that for a "limited time" Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac users will receive a free 6-month subscription to the new Parallels Access for Mac, which is about $40 in value. The promo will be applied once Parallels Desktop 9 is installed and activated. Parallels Access allows users to control any desktop application, PC or Mac, as if it were designed as an iPad app.