Today sees the release of Parallels Desktop 11, the latest update to the PC emulation software which lets Mac users run Windows within OSX. Parallels Desktop will automatically tune for what you’ll use it for the most: “productivity applications, design, or development-even gaming”.
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Can’t choose between a Mac and new fancy features on Windows 10?
Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant is making its way to Android and iOS soon, but the software giant has no plans to bring it to Mac. “We’ve made it easier than ever for our customers to run Windows on a Mac”, he said.
Parallels Desktop 11 also brings Mac features to the virtualized Windows system, like Quick Look, which you access via the space bar. Seamlessly utilize Mac features inside Windows and leverage Windows’ strengths on your Mac. Click it, and the Action Pane slides into view on the Mac desktop. One of the noticeable points about this integration is that Cortana can work from within “Coherence mode”, a setting that allows Windows apps to run “natively” on OS X, i.e. without having to jump into a different operating system.
There is also an option for keeping Windows firmly within its own application window.
Parallels Desktop 11 includes a new Travel Mode that can increase battery life up to 25 percent by turning off some energy-hungry features. The product will be updated with full support when El Capitan is released. The software will fully support OS X El Capitan when the operating system is released later this year. They’re is also a pro level that gives you dev tool support like Docker and Visual studio, as well as a business addition, both available for $100/year. Mac users will be able to say “Hey Cortana” to activate the smart assistant and take advantage of all that she has to offer. The Business Edition is for IT departments, with built-in administrative features to manage other machines running Parallels, plus extended support from the company. You can use single key licensing across many installations and integrate with Microsoft’s System Center.
The Pro and Business editions are available for a yearly subscription fee of $134.
If you’re using a Mac Pro machine, there’s a special edition available specifically for the Pro hardware for $99.99 per year or $49.99 if you are upgrading from an older version.
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Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac costs £64.99 for the standard edition, with upgrades for existing Desktop 9 or 10 customers set at £34.99.
