Parallels Desktop 8

By +Frank B.
in iPhone - iOS/tvOS/watchOS

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

+Frank B. Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

Parallels Desktop 8 released with full Windows 8 integration, true Retina display support, and more as a $49.99 upgrade

With a new version of Windows comes a new version of the popular Parallels virtualization software for OS X, and starting today there's a new version ? Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac ? that revamps the program with complete Windows 8 integration and other improvements, including that elusive Retina display support.

The major change in Parallels Desktop 8 is right in the name: the software handles Windows 8 completely differently than the previous version of the virtualization program. In Parallel's default "Coherence" view mode (which displays Windows applications in their own windows on your Mac desktop), Modern UI Style (read: Metro) apps will open in their own separate fullscreen windows and occupy their own spaces. It can be a bit jarring: in Coherence mode you open the Start menu from the OS X menu bar, and then once you open a Metro app it disappears as you're pushed into a separate space. Still, we can't think of a better way for this to be handled ? Windows 8 wasn't designed for such interactions and some design choice had to be made. Parallels has also seen fit to intercept Windows 8 notifications and display them using Mountain Lion's built-in notifications bar, and the cursor will now "stick" to the edge of the window when moving at slow speeds, allowing you to easily open the charms bar and the start menu from the corners of the screen.

parallels-desktop-81_1020.jpg

Beyond Windows 8, the new software also takes Mountain Lion's dictation and allows it to function within guest operating systems, and OS X's keyboard language settings will now apply to Windows as well. Additionally, the fullscreen mode now uses Lion's and Mountain Lion's fullscreen controls, opening in a new space and minimizing the dock. You'll also be able to drag and drop files to Windows applications in the dock and automatically have the file added as an attachment, ? la Mail in OS X, and a new "open in Internet Explorer" button has been added to Safari.

The last major change applies to those using the MacBook Pro with Retina display. In a previous announcement it was less than clear that guest operating systems did not support the Retina display (it was a terribly blurry experience), but now Parallels can properly handle the resolution. Everything looks crisp and clear, and Windows will change its resolution as you adjust the size of your window. Parallels is using 199% scaling to make text and icons legible while remaining clear. Adding support for the high-resolution display is great, but considering that this is a paid update we don't think those who purchased Parallels Desktop 7 with the understanding that it could handle the computer will be happy at all ? and we can't blame them.

Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac is available now as an upgrade from the previous version for a hefty $49.99, while a full license will run you $79.99 when it launches on September 4th. Anyone who purchased Parallels Desktop 7 after July 24th will be able to upgrade for free. We just wish that date could be pushed back a couple more weeks to cover anyone who purchased the software following the unclear Retina display announcement on July 10th.

Source: The Verge

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1102107-parallels-desktop-8/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

+Frank B. Subscriber²

Posted
  • Author
  • Subscriber²
Posted

Niiiice! I'll tell my mac clients about this. VMWare might be a little scared. LOL I wonder if they are really shakin in tharr boots

VMware just recently released an update for their Mac virtualisation software: https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1100587-vmware-fusion-5/

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Microsoft Edge gets tons of security features, including AI model that can see your screen

      By monterxz · Posted

      You do you, I've just said that it first appeared in "home" version before it will be available in "work" one. I use Edge only because it still supports MV2 uBO extension even on Android - I'll switch when they stop.
    • Can't access the forum on mobile

      By Steven P. · Posted

      I imagine that was a review or something? My reviews mostly contain a lot of images and galleries, but these are all webp too, but yeah it all adds up on the page load. Would help if you were more helpful with your critique instead of bitching and moaning like a Karen 😂 Because then we might be able to fix it for you.
    • Dbrand thought they could get away with this Steam Machine case, Valve disagreed

      By PsYcHoKiLLa · Posted

      If Valve refused to let them make the case, I wonder if they've already partnered with someone else to do it? The fact that they didn't seek permission/licence before diving straight in is incredible though
    • Google pitches Spanner as one database for all AI agents with these new featues

      By Stup0t · Posted

      All your data's belong to us.
    • OpenClaw now has native mobile apps on iOS and Android

      By Karthik Mudaliar · Posted

      OpenClaw now has native mobile apps on iOS and Android by Karthik Mudaliar OpenClaw, the viral open-source personal AI agent, now has its own mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. Users can pair the app with an existing OpenClaw gateway and can start using new mobile-native features that are now available on the app. The app supports all the existing features you'd already have seen on OpenClaw's TUI, as well as some more, such as real-time and background Talk mode, action approvals, sharing from iOS, and optional access to device capabilities such as camera, screen, location, photos, contacts, calendar, and reminders. These features are available on both the Android and iOS versions of the app. What's important with these apps is that they don't run OpenClaw on your phone, but are actually just companion apps that require a running OpenClaw Gateway on an existing device, on macOS, Linux, or Windows via WSL2. To pair the app with your existing OpenClaw gateway, users need to run the command "/pair qr" on the TUI or existing chat interface, which brings up a QR code. Users can then scan this QR code to pair it up with the mobile app. There's also an option to manually pair the app by entering the host and a port. Previously, OpenClaw had been available on phones via WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Matrix, and others. Now, with a native mobile app, the interface is much cleaner and more focused on just the OpenClaw, of course, with the added support for camera, screen, location, and more. It's important to note that OpenClaw comes with its own security warnings. There's always a chance of prompt injection with these tools, so users are recommended to double-check authentication, tool policy, sandboxing, and execution approvals rather than prompts alone. For users well-versed with the AI harness, a native mobile app makes it easier to approve an automation, share a link, use voice, or let an agent react to phone-side context.

  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      rosiecharles earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      Juan Dela earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Collagen Project earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      Wakeen1966 earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Rookie
      Almohandis went up a rank
      Rookie

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      515
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      273
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      143
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      100
    5. 5
      macoman
      54
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!