Parallels has released a significant update to their popular virtual machine software, Parallels Desktop 8. The update includes a number of new features for Windows 8 users, improves Retina display settings, and adds full support for USB 3.0, among other things.
We received the following statement from Parallels describing the update:
[Parallels Desktop 8 has] been updated with expanded support for the just-released Windows 8 operating system. Mac users can now enjoy new features including Windows 8 tablet gestures and a Windows 8 interface tile to access shared Mac apps.
These updates, plus the already deep Parallels Desktop 8 integration of Mac OS X and Windows 8, enable people to also use Mountain Lion’s Dictation feature in Windows applications, add Windows apps to Launchpad and the Mac Dock, enjoy brilliant Retina display resolution for Windows apps and more – making Parallels Desktop 8 an ideal way to run Windows 8 on a Mac without rebooting.
The company also provided a full listing of all of the new and expanded features included in the update:
New and expanded features include:
- Support for Windows 8 tablet gestures
- Addition of a single tile to the Windows 8 interface for easy access to shared Mac apps
- Full USB 3.0 support for faster connections to peripheral devices
- Updated Retina display settings for easier screen optimization
- Smooth transitions when entering and exiting Coherence mode
- Increased virtual machine limits for running large apps
The update is available now from the app’s built-in auto-update feature. Parallels Desktop 8 is available for $80, and can be purchased from Parallels.com. It can also be purchased for $55 from Amazon.com.
