Parallels built its business by bridging the Apple and Microsoft operating systems, enabling users to cross-pollinate applications. The company’s patented platform enabled valuable productivity gains inside many enterprises.
Since those early days several years ago, Parallels has continued to develop products for new markets, including a remote application server for PCs and Macs, cross-platform cloud-building tools and software that connects PC and Mac desktops/laptops to various mobile phones and tablets.
The Seattle-based company keeps forging ahead, launching Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac desktop (pictured; to see a larger version, right-click on the image and select “View Image”) Aug. 23. At the same time, Parallels unveiled a new Toolbox for Mac for developers, available with the desktop package or as a separate purchase.
What’s New in Version 12
Here is a listing of the most important new features inside Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac:
–Content backup application Acronis True Image, which includes a fast, incremental backup feature with up to 500GB of free online storage. [Note: Acronis is a sister company of Parallels];
–Users will have ability to purchase Windows 10 and install it via the Parallels Desktop Wizards;
–Scheduled Windows Maintenance option, so Windows Updates and maintenance can take place overnight, rather than at times disruptive to a user’s workflow;
–Snapshot creation is up to 90 percent faster than previous version;
–Shared Folders performance is up to 25 percent faster.
New Utilities in Toolbox
The new Parallels Toolbox for Mac includes 20 new utilities featured in all editions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac. These utilities make it easy to perform common tasks with simple single-function tools for both the Mac and Windows virtual machines, according to the company.
Parallels Access, another new feature in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, offers the ability to access up to five PCs or Macs from an unlimited number of iOS and Android devices with native touch gestures, plus access from any device with a modern HTML5 web browser.
PC and Xbox game players get increased support in Desktop 12 for Mac. Parallels engineers worked with Blizzard Entertainment and optimized Desktop 12 for Mac to support Overwatch, a popular 2016 PC and Xbox game that sold more than 15 million copies in only two months. Parallels Desktop also supports the Windows 10 Xbox app, enabling people to stream and play Xbox games on their Mac devices.
Availability and Pricing
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available now for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 10 and 11 here.
Recommended retail price of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is $79.99. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 10 and 11 for Mac perpetual license customers are $49.99, with an introductory offer to upgrade to a Parallels Desktop Pro Edition subscription for $49.99 per year for life.
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop Business Edition are available to new customers for $99.99 per year. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Business Edition include a complimentary Parallels Access subscription to remotely access up to five Mac or Windows PCs from any device.
Parallels Toolbox for Mac is a feature of all versions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac which also will be available as a standalone subscription product for $9.99 per year, including all new tools and updates planned for release every few months. Starting Aug. 23, a 14-day full-featured free trial can be downloaded and subscription purchased here.