While being able to access your home or work desktop programs from a remote PC is nothing new, the software company Parallels believe they have a new solution for iPad owners that is supposed to make Mac and Windows programs work more like native iOS apps when used on the tablet.
The new product is called Parallels Access, and as you can see in the video above, the iPad app allows users to see their remote Mac or Windows desktop as if they were using the iOS UI. It also allows you to interact with Mac and Windows apps with native iOS gestures, such as selecting words and images with one finger and viewing words and links with the virtual magnifying glass.
Parallels, best known for their Parallels Desktop for Mac program that lets Windows run on a Mac, is pushing the new Parallels Access iPad app primarily for business users. The company's press release states:
With Parallels Access, anyone can increase productivity by enjoying a seamless and integrated experience and accessing computers and desktop applications from anywhere. Additionally, customers are able to access not just their professional business applications but also their games and entertainment – including streaming video – from their Mac or PC directly on their iPad.
The Parallels Access app is currently available for download from the iOS App Store for free, but the company is charging $79.99 for an annual subscription for each computer that is connected to the app. Mac users can access a 14 day free trial. Windows access is currently in a beta version and will be completely free to use until the beta period is over, at which point it will be subject to the same pricing and 14 day free trial.
The app supports the second and third generation iPad, along with the iPad mini. Parallels Access can connect to Macs running OS X 10.7. 10.8 and the upcoming 10.9, or Windows 7 and 8. Parallels says they are looking to add support for more devices in the future.
Source: Parallels
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