14 DAY TRIAL // Mac users can now download and install a developer preview version of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system via Parallels Desktop for Mac 7.0.15050, the latest iteration of the popular virtualization software.
According to the release notes accompanying the build, this updated Parallels Desktop for Mac addresses overall stability and performance issues, but also includes some new features.
You can now download and install Windows 8 Developer Preview right from the Parallels Wizard, as well as install OS X Lion using Install Lion.app downloaded from the Mac App Store. The new release also adds support for Ubuntu 11.10.
Parallels developers also managed to improve full screen experience with a new option that allows users to scale the virtual machine screen to keep their resolution while fitting the visible screen area. Other improvements and fixes include:
· Improved support for non-English keyboard layouts. · Resolves an issue with the Apple USB Ethernet Adapter disconnecting from Mac OS. · Improved migration of the recent Linux versions from a PC to a virtual machine on your Mac.
Parallels also sells a mobile app for iPhone and iPad, which is currently available at a special introductory price of $4.99 (3,99 €) for a limited time. The standard price is 20 bucks.
The newest version, updated just last month, enables you to control your Mac just like you would control your virtual machine, and now features sound support. You can now play back your computer’s music library from your iPad or iPhone.
The mobile app also lets you copy and paste text between your iDevice and the virtual environment and you can set it to connect to your Mac and virtual machines only when Wi-Fi connection is available. It also has support for external displays and keyboards.