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Parallels Desktop 6 coming September 13, with better 3D support and Windows/Mac integration

by Mike Schramm Sep 9th 2010 at 12:30PM

Parallels, Inc. has taken the wrappings off of its new desktop virtualization software (yes, the same app which was already spotted on some store shelves -- looks like a few retailers jumped the gun), and provided TUAW with a look. The update adds over 80 new and enhanced features, with better support for 3D apps and games, an enhanced Transporter program that will connect Windows and Mac files to both implementations. Also, integration between the two OSes has been improved to include the ability to use Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight, and Parental Controls across both Mac and Windows on the same computer.

We got a quick demo of the new app, and it looks great -- Parallels has expertly integrated Windows and OS X in whatever form you want, from a full screen switchable setup, to a windows mode, all the way to Coherence mode, which leaves the virtual machine metaphor out of the equation and just lets you run Windows apps straight from the dock as if they were Mac apps.

There's one caveat: Parallels has discontinued support for Tiger, so you'll need to have OS X 10.5 or better installed to run Parallels 6. The app comes in two flavors: Parallels Desktop 6 is the standard app and can be purchased (officially starting on September 14th, we're told, regardless of what's on the shelves at your local Best Buy) for US$79.99, or you can get a Switch to Mac edition (which includes easy file migration and special tutorials for Mac newbies) for $99.99. Previous users of the software can get an upgrade for $49.99. Stay tuned, too -- Parallels tells us it has more even more big news about the new version coming up soon.

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Parallels, Inc. has taken the wrappings off of its new desktop virtualization software (yes, the same app which was already spotted on...
 

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Glenn Gore

Will there be 3D support for Linux/Ubuntu in this release? After years and years of non-support I sure hope there will be.

September 11 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wikitect

One significant new feature I've just discovered is that Parallels Desktop 6 will resize the VM such that Windows recognizes it i.e. no more having to boot into Gparted etc. The old disk image tool as a separate app has gone and it's within the VM Configuration/Hardware. This saves a lot of messing around.

September 10 2010 at 3:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

To many upgrades you have to pay for. And slow as hell after the last few free updates, so much so I moved my last few Windows apps to Mac. So thanks Parallels for giving me the push. bye bye

September 09 2010 at 5:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jayhawk1776

Sept. 14th is on a Tuesday...hmmm. I bet they're also releasing an iPhone app that allows you to connect or run your virtualization of Windows. If I had money I'd bet this.

September 09 2010 at 3:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to jayhawk1776's comment
btblomberg

I would say your correct on that assumption. I think that was mentioned on some site a few days back, after the boxes showed up in a store, as something they were doing.

September 09 2010 at 3:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
btblomberg

I just upgraded and for me it was a good investment. Parallels 5 was barely usable on my 1 1/2 old 24" iMac 2.8 Ghz C2D. I times version 5 starting before I upgraded and from click on the icon to a usable windows desktop was 16:30 minutes. I started shutting down other apps it was so bad.

After installing version 6 it took 2;30 minutes and it just rebooted after installing the tools in windows while I was writing this in about a minute. And the CPU load seams to be greatly reduced.

Needless to say it will be nice to be able to use this and not have to wait forever to get it started and have it usable.

September 09 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to btblomberg's comment
digitalsedition

Nice, sounds like it is actually usable now. I tried to use 4-5 and they were both unusable for most purposes.

September 09 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
btblomberg

It looks like my version 5 boot may have been tainted by Time Machine running, but I know it's not too far off as I have had to go into it once a week for a client and it's always been a dog. Version 6 is very nice and very usable. This is what I always hoped it would be.

I often had to resort to MS's "Remote Desktop Connection" to connect to a Win PC to get things done reasonably, now you can jump into Windows quickly and get copy and paste along with everything else they offer in Version 6.

Needless to say I am very pleased.

September 09 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David Emery

1. I got an upgrade offer from Nova Development (with some 'side-ware' ads, yuck!) Note your account/password for these people is NOT the same as your password for Parallels itself.
2. I purchased through Nova, download, installation went OK. Before I installed, I did a full Time Machine backup for the application and WinClone'd my BootCamp image.
3. Launching Parallels 6 asked me for the activation key (as expected), and then asked if I wanted to register. I had problems with the password (see #1 :-), and finally said 'no - register product later'. Then when it did launch (faster, thank you), it nagged me to register again, and implied that it would not update Parallels Tools unless I registered. This time I went through their password recover.
4. They warn you that you'll have to re-activate Windows after this update. Oh Joy.

September 09 2010 at 2:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
phytonix

The more frequently they release these paid upgrades, the less likely I will ever buy such software. The total cost will far exceed the cost of Windows OS itself.

September 09 2010 at 1:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rhodesy22

" something special for you that we can't talk about until Sept 14."

Any ideas?

September 09 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
numpty

Meanwhile, VirtualBox is still free and does most of that stuff too.

September 09 2010 at 1:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to numpty's comment
Microdot

look... i applaud virtual box for what it is, and can do... and its great for someone who rarely needs to use virtualization. however, it doesnt come ANYWHERE close to the same ballpark as parallels.

September 09 2010 at 3:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pheh

Available now to those upgrading. Or to those who buy 5 at full retail and then pay the upgrade price it seems.

September 09 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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