VMware ships Fusion 3 virtualization tool
updated 09:35 am EDT, Tue October 27, 2009
Concentrates on graphics, 64-bit core
Formally announced earlier this month, VMware today began shipping Fusion 3, an updated version of its Mac virtualization software. The app runs Windows programs within a Mac environment, reducing or eliminating the need to use Boot Camp. Upgrades in v3 include a new 64-bit core engine, claimed to improve performance for both Snow Leopard and the recently-launched Windows 7.
The software also concentrates on graphics, incorporating OpenGL 2.1 and DirectX 9.0c Shader Model 3 support for wider compatibility, particularly in terms of games. The interface has been enhanced with several additions, including the ability to cycle through Windows apps using hotkeys or Dock Expose. The "Always On" Applications Menu meanwhile lets users launch Windows programs without opening Fusion first.
Over 50 changes are said to have been made in total, among them being the inclusion of a migration tool for transferring a connected PC's content into a Mac virtual machine. Fusion 3 is $80 new, or $40 as an upgrade. Those who have bought Fusion 2.x sometime between October 1st and November 30th are eligible for a free v3 upgrade.
Upgrades don't work
10/27, 11:19am reply
Lots of posts on vmware's facebook page. Looks like registered copies can't be upgraded at the moment. Oops. Neither of my copies were able to be upgraded this AM.
sailin74
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Beware - Upgrade Website Broken
10/27, 11:23am reply
Wasted a bunch of time on their website trying to buy the upgrade. The system that checks for registered items kept telling me it couldn't find my registration, then I'd register it (even though I was already registered), then I'd get a broken page saying at the top "We found an eligible serial" and at the bottom "can't find an eligible serial". WTF?
Save your time and frustration. Don't bother with trying to upgrade for a few days until they figure this out!
I don't know why they didn't offer boxed upgrades at retail? Then some people could have avoided their website mess...
rvhernandez
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
No Problem Upgrading
10/27, 12:59pm reply
I upgraded successfully a few minutes ago.
tknipp
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2001
Smooth Sailing
10/27, 01:05pm reply
I updated last night without any issues whatsoever. I updated my v2.0 license and got a new 3.0 license in my email less than a minute later.
wr11
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Feb 2001