linux/unix
05/31/2007, 4:55pm, EDT
Thursday, May 31st
OpenGL, DirectX support coming to Parallels
Parallels today announced that it is entering the final stages of testing for the next major release of Parallels Desktop for Mac by launching release candidate 3.0 to the private beta community. The new test version contains more than 50 new features, including a cross-platform file and application integration feature called SmartSelect. The latest beta release also offers support for DirectX and OpenGL 3D graphics alongside easy backup and restore via Snapshots. Parallels Desktop for Mac allows users to run Microsoft Windows, Linux, and any other operating system right alongside Mac OS X without rebooting. The company said it expects the final release of Parallels Desktop for Mac 3.0 within the next few weeks. Parallels Desktop for Mac 3.0 will be priced at $80 for new users. [updated]
SmartSelect
Parallels Desktop 3.0 features SmartSelect, a new built-in integration tool that allows users to open any file from Windows or Mac OS X with any program from either operating system.
"SmartSelect's total application and file integration adds tremendous value to the seamless multi-OS interface introduced by Coherence, Parallels' groundbreaking feature that lets Windows applications run like native Mac applications on OS X," the company wrote. "Together, Coherence and SmartSelect give users the easiest, most fluid way to run multiple OSes and their applications simultaneously, without rebooting or switching desktop environments."
More than 50 new features
The newest release also includes more than 50 new features and enhancements which include hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, 'snapshot' backup and recovery of virtual machines, and a new suite of security settings that help secure both Windows VMs and Mac OS X from cross-platform corruption and contamination. Some of those features include:
Additionally, Parallels is offering special upgrade pricing for current customers, who can update to the latest revision for $40 -- a 50 percent savings over the retail price of the software -- from now through the launch of the final version.
The RC is the final stage of Parallels Desktop 3.0's private beta testing program that has been underway for the last several months, according to the company.
SmartSelect
Parallels Desktop 3.0 features SmartSelect, a new built-in integration tool that allows users to open any file from Windows or Mac OS X with any program from either operating system.
"SmartSelect's total application and file integration adds tremendous value to the seamless multi-OS interface introduced by Coherence, Parallels' groundbreaking feature that lets Windows applications run like native Mac applications on OS X," the company wrote. "Together, Coherence and SmartSelect give users the easiest, most fluid way to run multiple OSes and their applications simultaneously, without rebooting or switching desktop environments."
More than 50 new features
The newest release also includes more than 50 new features and enhancements which include hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, 'snapshot' backup and recovery of virtual machines, and a new suite of security settings that help secure both Windows VMs and Mac OS X from cross-platform corruption and contamination. Some of those features include:
- Cross OS application & file integration with Parallels SmartSelect
- Offline access to virtual machine files with Paralles Explorer
- Coherence 2.0, including shared folders and UI enhancements
- Linux Tools for seamless integration betwen Mac OS X and Linux
- 3D graphics support to play the hottest games and run the most popular applications
- Expanded support for USB 2.0 devices
- USB connection assistant quickly connects you to your OS of choice
- Shared printers for cross OS printing
- Significantly enhancements performance and audio quality
- Quickly and easily go back in time to a clean VM state
- "Bulletproof" your VMs with SnapShots
- Control the levels of integration and isolation with Security Manager
- Make a virtual machine read-only
- Virus and spyware protection with a free 6-month Kaspersky subscription trial
Additionally, Parallels is offering special upgrade pricing for current customers, who can update to the latest revision for $40 -- a 50 percent savings over the retail price of the software -- from now through the launch of the final version.
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Much of the speed of Parallels relies on it's use of the Virtualization Technology built into EFI. Apple & Parallels are finally pushing the edge of development for EFI & utilizing this great technology that has been so neglected for so many years.
Where has VMWare or anyone else come close to what Parallels has done for Windows running on Macs? I thank the Parallels team for the job they have don thus far!
-Hez
While I have Parallels on my machine, just in case, it is there for exactly that - just in case. It has been months since last time I ran it.
Parallels is releasing a new major version, and they never said every update would be free, so they're in their right to charge for it.
This time make sure what you're asking for actually works.
FWIW, every problem and question I've had has been speedily answered in the very-active support forums.
Vasic: Although you're right it's also true that it's not either Parallels' or Apple's duty to protect you from Windows. From the moment you have windows installed you assume all the caveats that implies. Even still, Parallels includes a 6-month subscription to Kaspersky (which I didn't claim in the previous version and I probably won't either this time, especially now that Parallels includes snapshots.
Unfortunately, Parallels (much like Crosover) might initiate an erosion of the image of impenetrability of Macs compared to Windows. Although we did have Virtual PC on PPC Macs for years (decades?), it always ran in its own sandbox. I caught several viruses on my Virtual PC it its time. It never bothered me, since it was confined securely to its little virtual world, oblivious to the HFS+ volumes surrounding it. However, this Parallels (and especially Crossover) solution comes a step closer to the seamless integration of file systems, thereby allowing malware to cross over, as it were.
I hope this does nothing to tarnish the rock-solid image of Mac as a virus- and malware-free platform.
Who you gonna use? VMware Fusion is Free right now and a native cocoa application instead of a crappy port.