14 DAY TRIAL // Parallels is shipping its flagship Mac virtualization solution early, allowing Mac users to run Windows 8 in a more intuitive way than ever before. Parallels Desktop 8 is said to be up to 30 percent faster than Parallels Desktop 7.
According to its creators, Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac leverages all the new stuff in OS X Mountain Lion’s and applies it to all Windows programs. This includes support for Launchpad, Dictation, Notification Center and Mission Control.
The new version allows users to drag and drop email attachments from the Mac desktop onto the Dock icons for use with Outlook and other email clients available solely to the Windows camp, and allows Mountain Lion’s Dictation to be used with Windows programs.
“Run Windows applications like they were made for your Mac,” says the virtualization expert.
“Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac takes advantage of Mac OS X Mountain Lion’s great features and applies them to Windows programs, like support for Launchpad, Dictation, Notification Center and Mission Control.”
“Parallels Desktop for Mac is the most tested, trusted and talked about solution for running Windows on your Mac – without rebooting. No wonder it's been the #1 choice of Mac users since 2006!” adds the software company.
Parallels touts increased graphics performance, up to 30% faster for 3D graphics compared to previous versions, and the ability to start, stop and resume Windows 25% faster every time you launch the Microsoft OS.
Parallels 8 for Mac sells for $80 / €60. Parallels 7 users get a special upgrade fee of $50 / €40, but those who bought Parallels 7 recently can upgrade for free.
A Student Edition license goes for $40 / €30. Parallels Inc. entices customers of its archrival VMWare to switch from Fusion over to Parallels Desktop 8 for just $50 / €40.