line of latitude on Tuesday announced a beta update of itsParallels Desktop for Macsoftware , a virtualization technology that enables Intel - based Macs to run Windows XP and other PC - compatible operating systems alongside Mac OS X. Parallels Desktop for Mac costs $ 79.99 , and a 15 - day trial is available for download .
The newfangled beta version of Parallels Desktop include USB improvement like support for Windows Mobile 5 devices , entanglement camera accompaniment , and a broader listing of supported devices . Complete keyboard support is now offered , including the “ eject CD ” button and proper and left shift - single-valued function for non - English keyboard layouts .
Mac hard disc hoard can be change over off for a virtual machine running in Parallels Desktop — that can “ substantially improve ” Mac OS X performance while using Parallels Desktop , accord to the developer .
Unicode paths are now support , and shared folders performance has been improved . So has computer graphic functioning , and minor bug fix have also been made .
Parallels reacts to VMWare , Virtual personal computer
Monday saw two substantial news items of distinction to Mac users who require or ask to run Windows and other X86 - compatible operating organisation on their Intel Macs . First , established enterprise virtualization technology developer VMWare announced plans to patronize the Mac , and Microsoft ’s Mac Business Unit sound out it wo n’t develop its once - popular PC emulator practical PC to run on Intel - base Macs .
Both of these developments , read Parallel spokesman Ben Rudolph , tip to Parallels ’ prevailing position as a virtual simple machine developer for Mac OS X.
“ While we ’re glad that VMWare is endorsing the Apple marketplace and foresaw their entry as part of their stress on enterprise - class software and building production for extremely expert user like software program developer and testers , we believe that Desktop ’s unmatched ease of use , consumer - concentrate feature set , as well as our strong backing from Apple and great retail presence in the Apple Stores , Staples , Office Depot and more , will keep us the number one choice for Apple users who want to draw Windows on their mackintosh , ” said Rudolph in a statement .
Coming shortly : Vista backing , profligate 3D graphics , new interface
Rudolph also indicate to further improvements in Parallels Desktop for Mac , including what ’s described as “ a innovative new user user interface that will make running Windows on a Mac easier and more generative than ever before ; ” fresh security and direction peter ; the power to combust certificate of deposit and DVDs inside virtual simple machine and a newfangled Server for Mac OS X Cartesian product .
What ’s more , Parallels Desktop for Mac will see “ fast 3D nontextual matter keep , ” presumptively to aid supply to gamers who want to run Windows game without having to bring up their political machine using Boot Camp and a separate Windows partition . Also project is support for Microsoft ’s upcoming Windows Vista , the major update to Windows Microsoft has planned for the first calendar fourth part of 2007 .
