A new update to the Parallels Virtualization Desktop software is to arrive soon along with many great improvements and some long awaited features. A beta of the new version has been delivered to several beta testers who say the update will likely make its way public soon. The new update will be free to all existing Parallels users and available for download from within the Parallels application once released.
A few highlights of the new features include:
- Total compatibility with a pre-installed Boot Camp partitioned hard drive. Parallels can boot and use the partitioned drive as a virtual machine in lieu of a restart. Mac users with a Boot Camp partition and a Parallels VM file can now use the partition for all of their Windows work, saving several GBs of memory.
- Drag-and-drop functionality between Mac OS X and Windows, similar to that of Microsoft’s VirtualPC software.
- Brand new interface improvements within the Parallels application and a tighter integration with Mac OS X aqua GUI.
- Ability to display use a Windows application in an aqua interface.
- 50 percent graphics performance improvement, including ability to resize window to any resolution at any given time.
- Easier and simpler interface with opening and closing multiple VMs.
- USB performance improvements with little delays and improved USB compatibility.
- Improved keyboard mapping when using Windows, including compatibility with ⌘-A, ⌘-C, ⌘-V, ⌘-Z, ⌘-X key functions.
- Network and VPN compatibility improvements, and you can use it for playing online casino malaysia.
However, one feature that did not make the list was Direct3D support for Windows which was promised to be introduced circa beginning of 2007. Once Direct3D is officially implemented, users will be able to play 3D games, online games like kingscasino.net and application within Parallels without Boot Camp, which has had Direct3D support since version 1.0.
One Response
Steve Dale says:
Parallels is great for everything bar games. I use it when I need to check out something under XP as I suuport XP users. However, if Directx/3D support was added I’d never buy another PC. In fact, if it does come, then I reckon Boot Camp will fade away and Apple may even by the company!
In the meantime, these improvements are very welcome and can only do Parallels good and the Mac too. Once folk get the message that you can run Windows faster and better on a Mac there will a flood of switchers and new users to the Mac platform.
Nice work Parallels!
December 16th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
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