VMWare on Tuesday announced the latest versions of its virtualization software for running Windows in a virtual machine on a Mac. Fusion 8.5, Fusion Pro 8.5, Workstation Player 12.5 and Workstation Pro 12.5 offer compatibility for macOS Sierra, and Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary edition.
Perhaps the biggest news of the updates is the announcement that existing users of VMware Fusion 8.0 and Workstation 12.0 can receive the 8.5 and 12.5 upgrades for free. Users of pre-8.0 versions of Fusion and Fusion Pro will still need to pay an upgrade fee, and can upgrade for $49 and $119 respectively. Users of pre-12.0 versions of Workstation Player and Workstation Pro can upgrade for $79 and $149 respectively.
Fusion 8.5 and Workstation 12.5 both offer Windows 10 Anniversary support, as well as Windows 10 Server support. Fusion’s macOS Sierra support includes Siri integration, (Siri will be a feature of Apple’s upcoming Mac operating system upgrade), as well as support for tabbed VM windows.
The announcement came during VMWorld 2016 US, VMWare’s four day event for developers and users of the company’s virtualization software. For those at VMworld 2016 U.S., VMware will offer an 18-month version of Fusion or Workstation to all registered attendees.
The company also announced that it is giving away 20 Oculus Rift headsets to the general public.
Here’s the idea. You make a short video—30 seconds to 2.5 minutes—telling your peers what you think of Fusion. Perhaps you could mention how they saved your butt that time your data center fried. Or perhaps how you love developing with multiple operating systems just a fingertip away. Maybe, you just like carrying a laptop that’s capable of running any app.
Whatever your story, make it interesting, get our attention, and we just might send you a free Oculus Rift headset. You might also consider tweeting your masterpiece with the hashtag #FusionLove.
For new users, Fusion and Fusion Pro 8.5 are priced at $79.99 and $119.99 respectively, and Workstation Player and Workstation Pro 12.5 have new-purchase prices of $149.99 and $249.99 respectively. For more information, visit the VMWare online store.
