Parallels Desktop 13 Launches

Virtual machine solution specialists Parallels have announced the imminent launch of the latest iteration of their flagship software kit, Parallels Desktop 13.

According to Parallels’ president Jack Zubarev, “this new release delivers our best-ever Windows on Mac performance, plus innovative and useful new features and tools to help users get more done quickly and efficiently.”

In the past, Parallels have prided themselves on their ability to bring the best new features for Windows to Mac users. However, this time, they’re also playing up the potential for the reverse. You can find more information and download the latest version of Parallels via the official website.

The biggest draw here comes in the form of the new Macbook Touch Bar, which is now supported within virtual machines running on Windows 10.

It’s the first time the feature, introduced with last year’s MacBooks, has been available outside Apple’s own ecosystem and Parallels have built-in both support for all the major native Microsoft applications (as well as most major web browsers). They've even brought in the ability to customize the Touch Bar on an application-by-application basis. At least, to a limited degree. Users can fit their own application-specific layouts, but only from a Parallels-curated set of ingredients.

However, during a demonstration event in Sydney earlier this week, Parallel’s own Kurt Schmucker indicated that the company would be taking into account feedback on how customers made use of this capability - potentially opening a door towards rolling in additional user-driven Touch Bar configurations into future releases.

Credit: Source: Parallels

Parallels Desktop 13 also brings with it new support for MacOS’ Picture-in-Picture mode and promises to leverage the Retina Display found in modern Macbooks to deliver a sharper looking UI within Windows environment.

In addition, the People Bar - a major new feature of the upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update - is now supported within the Mac environment. What’s more, this Spotlight and Dock-integrated inclusion boasts stronger scalability. Parallel’s People Bar supports larger profile photos and doesn’t limit the number of visible contacts.

Page Break

These headliners arrive alongside a number of less-visible gains when it comes to the usability side of things. Parallels say they’ve worked with Microsoft in order to make setting up a Windows-based virtual machine as easy-as-possible - simplifying installation down to a single click.

Parallels are also talking up a number of measured improvements in performance for their software kit. They claim the new release offers up to double the speed found in its predecessor when it comes to handling external Thunderbolt SSD drives and 47% faster speeds when it comes to working with Windows files on a Mac.

As usual, Parallels are offering Pro and Business editions of the package, which both come bundled with the Parallel Toolbox suite of apps. The former is more developer-focused, allowing for developers to create super-powerful virtual machines (of up to 32 cores and 128GB) as well as easily juggle between multiple OS’ with greater ease.

Credit: Source: Parallels

Meanwhile, the Business edition comes designed for easy deployment and user management. It features a Single Application mode that streamlines the process of working within a virtual machine environment down to a more accessible level.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac is available from today at a recommended retail price (RRP) of $99.95 AUD. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 11 and 12 for Mac perpetual license customers are $64.95 AUD.

Finally, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Business Edition are each available to both new and old customers for $124.95 AUD per year. 

You can visit the company's website now to learn more and purchase it direct from Parallels

.

You can find more information and download the latest version of Parallels via the official website.