Parallels has launched a new virtual PC program for Mac, Parallels Desktop 9, which allows users to run Windows and Mac applications simultaneously without the need to reboot.
New features include cloud storage optimization for iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive. The software also allows customers to use Mac OS X features like Launchpad inside Windows applications.
"Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Parallels keeps pace with and supports leading new technologies, such as the upcoming OS X Mavericks, Windows 8.1 and increasingly popular cloud services," said Parallels CEO Birger Steen.
Parallels promise that Desktop 9 will deliver a 40 percent improvement in disk performance and a 25 percent speed increase for virtual machine startup and shutdown, compared to the previous version, as well as being able to suspend the virtual PC in up to 20 percent less time than before.
Current Parallels Desktop users can upgrade to Parallels Desktop 9 now for £34.99. For new customers, Parallels Desktop 9 will be available for purchase from 5 September for £64.95. A student edition will be available at the discounted price of £34.95.
Customers will also get a six-month subscription to the newly released Parallels Access for iPad application. The software allows customers to remotely access PC and Windows apps and use them as if they were made for iPad.
