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

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know

      By The Werewolf · Posted

      Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know The ONLY thing I need to know is the price, which I know will be way higher than I (and most people) are willing to pay for a phone... so basically nothing here I need to know. PS: Nice job getting that Apple reference to a non-existent and unrevealed product as "competition" in there. Cheque is in the mail.
    • AMD 9070XT

      By Steven P. · Posted

      Well I really think the repasting helped if your higher clocks have returned, maybe the next thing to look at is if there is a problem with your case airflow? I guess this because your 3080 has returned to optimal state, but is still staying too warm, which might suggest it was thermal throttling before you repasted, of which the only logical conclusion could be outside factors.
    • The official Funny Pictures thread

      By Steven P. · Posted

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know

      By Hamid Ganji · Posted

      Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know by Hamid Ganji Galaxy Z Fold 7 - Image via Samsung The next generation of Samsung foldables is set to be unveiled next month at the second Unpacked event of the year. Samsung’s 2026 foldables are not expected to offer significant upgrades over their predecessors, with the Korean firm instead focusing on design refinements and conventional upgrades such as faster processors and better cameras. However, Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil an all-new passport-style foldable this year to rival Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut this September. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices ahead of their official debut. When can we expect Samsung’s new foldables? The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series were unveiled in July, and Samsung is expected to maintain this timeframe in 2026. Based on previous reports from Korean sources, Samsung will hold its Unpacked event on July 22 in London, UK, to pull back the curtain on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The devices are also expected to hit the shelves a few weeks after launch. However, Samsung has yet to announce an official date. A new naming scheme? One of the most interesting changes we might see this year is a new naming scheme for Samsung’s latest foldables. SamMobile reported that since Samsung is expected to unveil three foldables this year, it has adopted a new naming strategy to simplify product identification for customers. Accordingly, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 will reportedly be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and will serve as the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The “Ultra” suffix suggests the phone could feature higher-end specifications, such as additional rear camera modules. Samsung’s new passport-style foldable is expected to carry the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name without any suffix. This model is reportedly equipped with two rear cameras. No major changes are expected for the Flip model. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 anticipated specs Rumors over the past few months suggest Samsung is preparing several upgrades for its upcoming foldables, although the devices may continue to rely on larger batteries and faster charging speeds rather than dramatic design changes. The primary focus this year is expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its wide-screen design. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here are the anticipated specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra based on previous leaks: 6.5-inch outer display and 8-inch inner display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,600 nits peak brightness Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage 4.1mm thickness when unfolded and a weight of 210g 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, 10MP or 12MP telephoto camera, 10MP cover camera, and 10MP selfie camera 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 As for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the device is not expected to be a major departure from its predecessor, although it could become slightly slimmer. Expected specifications include: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 processor 12GB of RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner dispaly and 4.1-inch Super AMOLED outer dispaly 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera 4,300mAh battery with 25W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 Samsung’s foldables are also expected to launch with Gemini Intelligence, Google’s AI suite for automating tasks in Android ecosystem. Moreover, given current memory and component costs, some Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 variants could see a price hike. Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wide-screen design The centerpiece of the upcoming Unpacked event could be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, previously rumored as the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This model adopts a passport-style form factor and is expected to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Fold. Galaxy Z Fold 8 official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here’s what to expect: 7.6-inch primary OLED display and 5.4-inch cover display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and 4:3 aspect ratio Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options 4,800mAh battery with 45W wired charging 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera Android 17 and One UI 9 The three new foldable phones are unlikely to be the only devices unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event. The company is also expected to introduce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 series.
    • Dopamine 3.0.6

      By Jaybonaut · Posted

      Thanks

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      141
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      89
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      81
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!