Should also increasing 3D graphics support

Developer VMware has announced the upcoming release of Fusion 3, the next major iteration of its Mac virtualization software. The program lets users run Windows apps from within Mac OS X, eliminating the need to boot into a separate session. Version 3 is designed around Snow Leopard, and uses a new 64-bit engine, which not only increases multicore performance but better supports Windows 7.

Essential to gamers should be support for OpenGL 2.1 and DirectX 9.0c Shader Model 3, ensuring graphics compatibility with more titles. Over 50 changes or additions to the software have been made in total; among the latter is a new PC-to-Mac migration tool, supporting Wi-Fi or Ethernet transfers, and the "Always On" Applications Menu. The menu lets users launch Windows apps at any time, without having to manually open Fusion.

Conveniences include the ability to quit or cycle through Windows apps using hotkeys, or browse them using Dock Expose. Fusion 3 will be released on October 27th, at a standard cost of $80. Upgrades will typically cost $40, but those buying Fusion 2.x between October 1st and November 30th will be eligible for a free v3 download.

by MacNN Staff