Parallels, creator of software for running Windows applications on a Mac, has launched Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac. Parallels Desktop 12 is macOS Sierra ready, includes up-to 25 percent performance improvements, and features more than 20 simple single-function tools and utilities which are also available as a standalone Parallels Toolbox for Mac app.
In addition, all Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac customers will receive a one-year subscription to backup solution from Acronis True Image, which includes a fast incremental backup feature that reduces the time and size of subsequent backups ups and provides up to 500 GB of free online storage.
New utilities featured in all editions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac make it easy to perform common tasks with simple single-function tools for both the Mac and Windows virtual machines (VMs).
Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Edition subscribers, and Parallels Toolbox for Mac subscribers, also receive free updates of additional tools which will be made available every quarter. Initial tools allows you to deliver distraction-free presentation modes for both Mac and Windows VMs; archive, encrypt and password protect all of your files; capture screen shots or record video of a screen, window or area; download videos from YouTube, Facebook and other websites with a single click; time management tools; unpack files from ZIP, RAR and many other formats.
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac also adds the ability to purchase Windows 10 and simply install it via the Parallels Desktop Wizard, and a Scheduled Windows Maintenance option so Windows Updates and maintenance can take place overnight or at times when it is not disruptive to a user’s workflow.
PC and Xbox game players will get increased support in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac. Parallels engineers worked with Blizzard Entertainment and optimized Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac to support Overwatch, a popular 2016 PC and Xbox game that sold more than 15 million copies in just over two months. Parallels Desktop also supports the Windows 10 Xbox app, enabling people to stream and play Xbox games on their Mac devices.
Other features of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac enable you to control storage space used by VMs directly from the Optimized Storage in macOS Sierra; assign special behaviors to Windows apps, such as Always Open Full Screen or Always Hide Other Apps, so they play even better on your Mac; easily cancel time-consuming VM actions; and keep Windows ready in the background, instead of suspending the VM, to instantly open Windows applications and documents.
Speed improvements include of the Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac include up to 90 percent faster Snapshot creation; up to 60 percent faster suspend of VMs; up to 25 percent faster Shared Folders performance; up to 10 percent battery life improvement; and improved VM responsiveness when your Mac is low on free memory.
Availability and Pricing
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available today for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 10 and 11 (www.parallels.com/upgradedesktop12), and general availability is Aug. 23 online at www.parallels.com/desktop and at local retail and online stores worldwide.
The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is S$108.00. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 10 and 11 for Mac perpetual license customers are S$68.00, with an introductory offer to upgrade to a Parallels Desktop Pro Edition subscription for S$68.00 per year for life.
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop Business Edition are available to new customers for US$99.99 per year. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Business Edition include a complimentary Parallels Access® (www.parallels.com/access) subscription to remotely access up to five Mac or Windows PCs from any device.
Parallels Toolbox for Mac is a feature of all versions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac which will also be available as a stand-alone subscription product for US$9.99 per year, including all new tools and updates planned for release every few months. Starting Aug. 23, a 14-day full-featured free trial can be downloaded and subscription purchased from www.parallels.com/toolbox.