Parallels has launched a new version of its virtualization software with support for Windows 10. Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac brings a number of speed improvements to the software among other features, including the previously-rumored ability to verbally access Cortana, Microsoft’s own digital assistant included within Windows 10, from anywhere on the Mac desktop if Parallels is still running in the background.
The new version boasts a 50-percent reduction to Windows launch and shutdown times, with file operations improved by up to 20 percent, and virtual machine suspend now 20 percent faster. Better network performance is also touted, along with a Travel Mode that can automatically extend battery life by up to 25 percent by shutting off resources that drain power.
Quick Look for Windows extends the Mac service into Windows-based documents and services, with Force Touch gesture support able to trigger Quick Look and the ability to look up word definitions. A new Coherence mode will let Windows apps run alongside native Mac apps, and is also used to provide support for Cortana. “Experimental support” for OS X El Capitan is being offered, though full support is pledged to arrive shortly after the operating system is released.
A new Pro Edition of the software aimed at designers, developers, and power users is also being offered, allowing it to work with Docker, Visual Studio, Chef and Jenkins, and Vagrant, as well as providing guest OS debugging, and network simulation. It also includes enhanced memory and processor support, nested virtualization for Linux guests, and a headless mode for running virtual machines without user interfaces.
A third version, Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Business Edition, adds enterprise-centric controls to the standard edition. Centralized administration and management functions allow IT managers to control the virtual machines, optional enforcement of USB device security policies, and a web-based Parallels License Management Portal with a single activation key to make deployment easier.
All versions of Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac are out now. The standard edition costs $80, or $50 as an upgrade from version 9 or later, with an option to upgrade to the Pro Edition for $50 per year. The Pro Edition and Business Edition versions are also available to new customers, for $100 per year.
