VMware, the popular virtualization software that lets you run Windows on Mac OS X, is today officially announcing new versions of its VMware Fusion app that introduces all-new features and full support for the latest Macs.
First up is the consumer facing version of the software dubbed VMware Fusion 7. It now includes a redesigned experienced for OS X Yosemite that the company notes includes “translucency in windows, streamlined toolbars and simplified Dock icon,” and more (pictured above). The release also packs in optimizations for the latest Mac hardware and Retina displays. The company says Fusion 7 offers an energy impact reduction of around 42% compared to the previous version and a number of other performance enhancements:
Optimized for the latest Intel Core i5, i7 and Xeon E5 processors, Fusion 7 delivers up to 43% improvements in CPU intensive operations like multimedia, encryption and decryption, and other strenuous performance tests. Leveraging the Mac’s faster memory, faster SSD performance and greater power you run Windows applications at near-native performance… Windows never looked so good with Retina Display optimization for a crisp and detailed experience of your Windows applications. If your Mac has a native Retina display or is connected to one, Fusion 7 ensures you get a seamless experience when running Windows across Retina and non-Retina displays.
VMware is also releasing Fusion 7 Pro that includes advanced features for professionals running the virtualization software in beyond just a personal environment. A full rundown of what’s new in Pro is below:
• Unmatched OS Support for Ultimate Compatibility – Fusion 7 Pro is designed for OS X Yosemite and fully supports the latest Microsoft operating systems, from Windows 8.1 for the desktop to Windows 2012 R2 for the server. For organizations and technical users that run the latest Linux distribution, Fusion 7 Pro supports Ubuntu 14.04, RHEL 7, CentOS 7, Fedora 20, Debian 8 and many more.
• More Connected than Ever – Connection to VMware vSphere, ESXi or Workstation is now available, allowing users to extend and scale virtual machines to your private cloud. Easily connect to hosted virtual machines and run, upload or download virtual machines directly from within Fusion 7 Pro.
• Dual GPU Optimization – For MacBook Pros with a discrete GPU as well as an integrated GPU, Fusion 7 Pro lets users choose which GPU to use for 3D applications. Selecting the integrated GPU will result in longer battery life while selecting the discrete GPU will offer the best performance for 3D applications in a virtual machine.
• Enhanced Connectivity and iSight Support – Macs equipped with an iSight camera can now use it to conduct video conferences within a Windows virtual machine. Fusion 7 Pro also supports USB 3.0 for fast file transfers, HD audio with 5.1 surround sound, and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.
• Enhanced Productivity – The Fusion Pro Virtual Machine Library’s new power state indicator enables users to monitor and shut down virtual machines not in use to improve overall performance. Fusion 7 Pro also enables application-level, user-configurable shortcuts to easily open or switch to a specific virtual machine.
VMware Fusion 7 ($69) and Fusion 7 Pro ($149) are available now through the company’s website. Those that purchased version 6 between August 1 and September 30 2014 will get a free update. More details on the latest release is available here.
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Fusion or Parallels… the debate continues
@vkd108, thats exactly what I was thinking. Apparently no one has bothered to make that comparison yet. For fusion 6, I was forced to go with Parallels, cause fusion 6 had crap support for retina screens, the workaround was to manually edit some pref. file with your desired resolution. Which was something I couldnt be bothered to do (considering I havent purchased yet.) I used both on trial and opted that for the money paid… Parallels was the quickest and pain free way to get done what I needed to do. (Which was install and use Visual Studio)
Good, I use VMs for a couple of apps that aren’t available on Mac OS and gaming. I prefer Fusion and use that for my apps, as I’ve found that, although Parallels and Fusion are virtually identical in feature sets and performance, Fusion is more pleasing to use, for me at least. However, when I experimented installing the game Assassin’s Creed 4 – Black Flag when it came out, I found it would not run in Fusion 6 although I did get it to run in Parallels 9 – both with Win7 in the VM. I ran some program I found on the internet that checks video capabilities and it revealed that one graphics codec was more up to date in Parallels than it was in Fusion, and that seemed to be the factor as, although the game installed and started in Fusion it didn’t have the graphics capacity to run properly and it crashed. Parallels initially would not run properly either, although it got a bit further along than Fusion, so I wrote to both of them on their websites about it, asking for help. VMWare did not respond or do anything. Parallels did respond, their techie gave some advice which got it going, and I have noticed that in a minor update since then the game does play smoother. So much as I like and prefer Fusion, in this case it lost big-time.
Now that Parallels has dropped in-app advertising and doesn’t seem to install a particular kext any more, it is becoming a more viable option. They have improved their interface too from earlier versions, which were a bit childish and nerdy.