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Parallels announces Parallels Desktop 9: performance improvements, enhanced Windows support, more

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Right after releasing its new remote access application Access, Parallels has just announced Parallels Desktop 9 for the Mac. The updated application will support Mavericks and the upcoming Windows Blue/8.1 update and boasts many speed boosts.

Performance improvements with Parallels Desktop 9 are notable – “40 percent improvement in disk performance; virtual machine startup and shutdown are now up to 25 percent faster; and customers can suspend their virtual machines in up to 20 percent less time than before. 3D  graphics and web-browsing were also made noticeably speedier with up to 15 percent improvements for both.”

The company has also brought Power Nap to Windows applications. They’ve also introduced synced cloud services between virtual machines, which means you only have one version on your computer and all virtual machines access the same cloud files.

Pricing

PD 7 or 8 customers will be able to grab this update for $49.99 starting today (download link will be sent immediately). The full version will be available September 5 and remains $79.99 with students paying just $39.99. In addition, the software will come with a free 6-month subscription to Parallels Access ($39.99 value).

We’ll have a complete review of Parallels Desktop 9 when the full version is released on September 5. Press release below:

Parallels Desktop® 9 for Mac Seamlessly Unites Windows, Mac and the Cloud; Pushes the Envelope with up to 40 Percent Performance Improvement

No. 1-selling software for running Windows applications on a Mac delivers numerous indispensable conveniences for millions of users, including support for the upcoming Windows 8.1 and Mac OS X Mavericks 

Renton, WA, USA – August 29, 2013 – Parallels® today launched Parallels Desktop® 9 for Mac, which lets customers run Windows and Mac applications simultaneously on a Mac without rebooting – the award-winning and No. 1-selling Mac desktop virtualization software for more than seven years and counting. Innovative and indispensable new features include cloud storage optimizations for iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive. Customers will also enjoy increased productivity with Mac OS X features like Launchpad in Windows applications and using the upcoming OS X Mavericks. For Windows 8 users, Parallels Desktop 9 incorporates the familiar and much-missed real Start menu and Windows Start button. Starting August 29, current Parallels Desktop users can upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac at www.parallels.com/desktop. For new customers, Parallels Desktop 9 will be available for purchase at retail and online stores and via the Parallels website starting on September 5.

“Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Parallels keeps pace with and supports leading new technologies, such as the upcoming OS X Mavericks, Windows 8.1 and increasingly popular cloud services,” said Parallels CEO Birger Steen. “We thank our customers for appreciating our innovations and making Parallels Desktop for Mac the No. 1-selling software for running Windows on a Mac for seven years and counting.

Everyone from business owners, to web developers, IT professionals, Mac enthusiasts, parents and students will benefit from indispensable conveniences of Parallels Desktop 9, such as improved performance, MacBook Power Nap functionality in Windows and Windows applications, connecting Thunderbolt and Firewire storage devices to a Windows virtual machine, improved security features, and increased flexibility for users with multiple monitors. Parallels Desktop 9 also enhances its support of Mac gestures inside Windows applications and offers Linux users enhanced integration with the Mac OS.

Parallels Desktop 9 also delivers much improved performance for some of the most common scenarios and operations such as 40 percent improvement in disk performance; virtual machine startup and shutdown are now up to 25 percent faster; and customers can suspend their virtual machines in up to 20 percent less time than before. 3D  graphics and web-browsing were also made noticeably speedier with up to 15 percent improvements for both.

Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers also get an exclusive six-month subscription to the just-released and critically acclaimed Parallels Access for iPad, a breakthrough product for people on-the-go that “applifies” Windows and Mac applications on a PC or Mac, letting customers remotely access and experience them as if they were made for iPad. Now people can enjoy native iPad gestures even in applications not optimized for iPad. With Parallels Access, just tap right to what you need to get done, in any Windows or Mac application. Mac users with Parallels Desktop 9 can also enjoy the “applified” experience for their Windows applications, using Parallels Access from an iPad. Details about Parallels Access and a free trial are available here: www.parallels.com/access.

Top Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac Features

·  Support for cloud services:  Sync iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive etc., with your Mac and your Windows virtual machine without unnecessary duplication of files locally

·  Enhanced Windows 8 and 8.1 support:  Parallels Desktop brings back the real Start menu and lets customers use Metro apps in a window instead of full screen

·  Security Center:  Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location

·   Enhanced new Virtual Machine Wizard:  It is easier than ever to set up a new virtual machine, especially on computers that don’t have DVD drives

·  Power Nap support:  On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date

·  Mac gestures inside Windows apps:  Parallels Desktop now includes the addition of the Dictionary lookup gesture in Windows applications

·  Thunderbolt and Firewire storage device support:  For convenience of everyday use, customers can connect those devices directly to a Windows virtual machine

·  PDF printer for Windows:  Lets people print from any Windows application to a PDF on the Mac desktop, even if the application doesn’t have that functionality

·  Sticky multi-monitor setup:  When using Windows in Full Screen mode and connecting to an external monitor, Parallels Desktop will remember settings and put the Windows virtual machine back in full screen mode on the remote monitor

·  Custom keyboard:  Editable keyboard shortcuts help customize the Windows experience

·  Linux guest integration:  Parallels Desktop customers who use Linux now have additional and enhanced integration with the Mac OS

Availability and Pricing

Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is available beginning Aug. 29, 2013, as an upgrade for current Parallels Desktop for Mac users. The full version will be available to new customers on www.parallels.com/desktop starting Sept. 5, 2013. Packaged software will also be available starting Sept. 5 at Apple retail stores, Apple.com, Amazon.com, Fry’s Electronics, MicroCenter and at other resellers and retail locations worldwide.

The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is US$79.99, and the Student Edition is available for US$39.99. Parallels Desktop 9 Switch to Mac Edition is US$99.95. Upgrades are starting Aug. 28 for existing Parallels Desktop 7 or 8 for Mac customers for US$49.99. For a limited time, Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Parallels Access for the Mac where Parallels Desktop 9 is installed and activated, a $39.99 value. Details are available online at www.parallels.com/desktop. Parallels Desktop for Mac subscription offerings including business-class support, ongoing software updates and major version upgrades for Parallels Desktop for Mac Enterprise Edition are available by contacting the Parallels Sales Team at http://www.parallels.com/desktop/volume-licensing.

Customers who purchased Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac from an authorized reseller on or after August 15 are eligible to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac at no additional cost. Customers who purchased from parallels.com or have a registered product activation key will automatically be emailed instructions on how to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9. Details are available at http://www.parallels.com/techguarantee2013.

Parallels Access for iPad is available for a 14-day free trial; annual subscriptions are $79.99 for each computer being accessed. The Windows device access capability is currently in beta with an extended free trial period of 90 days. Additional information and the app is available online at www.parallels.com/access.

Customers interested in testing Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac can download a free trial starting September 5, along with in-depth information, videos and screenshots of the new features, at www.parallels.com/desktop.

About Parallels

Parallels is a global leader in hosting and cloud services enablement and cross platform solutions. Founded in 1999, Parallels is a fast-growing company with more than 900 employees in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

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Comments

  1. Martin Žufánek - 11 years ago

    FYI: I just bought an upgrade and download link is available immediately after purchase. Installing Parallels 9 right now…

  2. drtyrell969 - 11 years ago

    Version 8 is already pretty amazing in terms of 3D performance. Very impressed with this product.

  3. Spending $50 or more 1-2 years just to virtualize Windows, is nuts!

  4. Princy Edwina - 11 years ago

    Nothing can be done without windows 8 support.The windows platforms has become so vast and user friendly that people seems more comfortable with this platform and could visibly see more number of people opting for windows.
    http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/win-maps/12f96ee6-6eaa-45d7-b1af-388e3e291826

  5. I tried version 9 and when i realized that some of my programs no longer worked i went back to 8. Good Luck.

  6. Jack Wang - 9 years ago

    Be extra careful with the software.

    You might be trapped for a continues paying schedule.

    I wish I have seen the Users review before I purchased full version of the Parallel Desktop software. Then I won’t really do it.
    I am not a computer expert, but I have pretty good experience with PC and Mac. when I got my mac, I still have some paid full version of software which for PC I use, that’s the reason I considered a friend suggestion. He showed me his brand new Mac computer and the software he bought. I thought was nice. Then I went out and bought a full version to install it on my Mac. It has been working, But it always ask me to upgrade of course pay for them. I didn’t need the “new features” so I didn’t. But now when Mac upgrade to current Yosemite the Parallel doesn’t work due to Virtual machine function. I can’t not use the Parallels.

    I contact the customer support team. This is where the trouble begins.
    The support team was very consist on their phone manner, and as well as their suggestion — Money.
    all of them want me to pay full price for an other version of the software, because they do not support some older version of their software. I left my contact info to them, they said they will call back. some did. Some just never did.
    after quiet a few phone calls and e-mails. There was one Customer support manager replied and offer me an 8 dollars discount. I thought They were joking at the beginning, but it turn out that their manager couldn’t make any decision more than 8 dollars! What a bit company !
    I told them I feel they don’t even take customer inquiry seriously, and felt very back about their system user experience. Then they manager promised me to call me back in 24 hrs to see if any possible solutions. But he lied, no one called and no e-mail was sent.

    I won’t buy their product again. I felt being cheated.
    Very Bad experience.
    I guess I will take the suggest other software to run windows on my mac.

    If you enjoy being cheated for your money, then keep buying every version of their software, this will make them happy for sure.

  7. Robert Kresek - 9 years ago

    WARNING BEFORE UPGRADING OR BUYING. In the past, Parallels would allow a limited number of activations on one license, such that you could install it on your desktop and laptop. They have changed that policy with Parallels 11, so that you only get one computer activation per license. So if you have multiple computers, you might want to hold off as long as possible before upgrading unless you want to purchase a license for each machine. I have heard that VMware allows three machines per license, so you might want to look at that before purchasing Parallels.