Parallels Desktop 7, a new version of the popular Mac virtual machine hosting software, has just been announced. It allows Mac users to run Windows, Linux, Snow Leopard Server, and now Lion (client or server). If the latter item wasn’t enough to catch your attention you’ll be pleased to know that it also ships with 90 new and enhanced features.
Parallels claims that the new version of Parallels is 60 percent faster than Parallels Desktop 6 when resuming Windows and that it offers a 45 percent faster 3D graphics experience. Although performance is a big plus the real improvements are linked to Mac OS X Lion, since Parallels Desktop 7 now supports full-screen mode, Launch Pad, and Mission Control while running Windows applications.
The two biggest enhancements in Parallels Desktop 7 are tied to your Mac’s built-in camera and Mac OS X Lion. Parallels 7 can take advantage of your Mac’s iSight or FaceTime camera in both Windows and Mac OS X simultaneously. It can also now host Mac OS X Lion in a virtual machine which is something I’m sure developers will love.
Another new feature offers users the ability to use enhanced remote capabilities to connect to virtual machines remotely from any iOS device running the Parallels Mobile app. Currently that app is free in the iTunes App Store, but starting tomorrow (9/1/11) it will cost $4.99 initially before the price goes up to $19.99 sometime in the future. If you get it now or already have it then you’ll get the upgraded version that supports Parallels 7’s new features for free.
Finally, one other feature is for people who own a Mac, but don’t have a licensed copy of Windows. Parallels 7 will now allow you to use a feature called Windows on Demand. That new feature allows you to buy and automatically install a copy of Windows 7 as a virtual machine on your Mac.
The pricing of Parallels Desktop 7 is as follows: $79.99 for the full retail version and $39.99 for the student version. If you are upgrading from Parallels Desktop 5 or 6 the cost is $49.99. If you are PC user switching to the Mac the Parallels Desktop 7 Switch to Mac version, which includes a USB cable and video tutorials on how to use a Mac, costs $99.99. Volume or Enterprise licenses are available. Parallels Desktop 7 will be available on September 6, 2011.
Read the full press releases at parallels.com.
David W. Martin has more than 20 years of experience in the industry as a programmer, systems and business analyst, author, and consultant. David has written for CNET’s iPhoneatlas.com, MacLife.com, CultofMac.com, BYTE.com and recently for aNewDoman.net. He comes to Cult of Mac’s website with deep knowledge and passion for the all things Apple. Follow David on Twitter @david_w_martin or see what he’s up to now at davidwmartin.com.
32 responses to “Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac: Faster, Virtualizes Mac OS X Lion And More”
Any word on firewire support? That is the biggest thing missing from my parallels experience.
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I just went to download the app and while it is not yet 9/1, I was charged the 4.99. Oh well, I am sure it will be worth it.
After years and years and years of promises, does the new version support 3D graphics acceleration on Linux?
so this is for running a different os in a window, while boot camp is for booting from a os. interesting.
Why would you want to run a virtualised version of Lion? If they gave you the ability to run a virtualised version of Leopard/Snow Leopard client, that would be of far more use; at least that way you would still be able to run older software.
cool post^^
same with VMWare Fusion. :)
Hello. I completely agree and I wrote Tim Cook, CEO Apple, Inc. an email about that. [email protected] drop him a note and ask for that ability. – DM
Correct or you can run it in a mode where the Windows apps run in Finder along side of your Mac apps as if you are running it all on one OS, but you really aren’t. – DM
David, there are plenty of reasons to run a VM of Lion but this is something most users won’t need because most users don’t need virtualization software. For IT pros, it gives them a lot of additional tools to do their jobs.
Hi Kevin. Yes, I do see your point. My main use of Parallels is for running Windows for the books I write and for beta testing purposes; it’s more convenient than Bootcamp.
Hi David. So this is a licensing issue, rather than a restriction Parallels have placed on the software?
I fell for the “runs faster” routine on Parallels 6 and found no such improvement. I won’t fall for that again. They can stuff Parallels 7… 6 works just fine. I’m tired of all the lies and these guys paid to promote these new releases. This post is BS.Â
v7 is nice. but I won’t accept slow boot times on SSDs and boot crashes because of the PD launch agents.
http://forum.parallels.com/sho…
http://cl.ly/1w44390A3B270s011…
Oh the irony.
It’s really a bit of both. Â We all know some magic happens behind the scenes on Macs which is probably hard to virtualise. Â Also I believe that there is a clause in the OS X ToS that disallows non-server versions of OS X to be ran on non-Apple hardware or virtualised platforms or something. Â As Mac OS X Lion Server is just an extension of Mac OS X Lion, that clause was probably removed.
Hi Guys — Just wanted to let you all know that we are giving away 3 more copies of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac over the next 2 weeks. All you have to do is retweet the info found here: http://www.nightlion.net/revie…Â — each tweet counts as a new vote, so vote as often as you like. :)