Parallels Desktop 11 For Mac Brings Windows 10 And Cortana To OS X

You can already run Windows 10 on Mac through Apple Boot Camp but Parallels’ new Desktop for Mac software is bringing some extra features to the OS X Windows 10 experience with improved performance and Cortana. Here’s a rundown of what’s new.

Image: Screenshot from Parallels

Firstly, this new release of Parallels Desktop for Mac includes a version of the software specifically for developers, designers and “power users” called the Pro Edition. There is also a Business Edition, formerly known as Enterprise Edition which is targeted at, well, businesses.

So what kind of improvements does Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac bring? We have the list below:

  • Experimental support for IE Capitan, the upcoming version of OS X which succeeds Yosemite. Apple is currently running a beta program for IE Capitan for those who want a sneak peak.
  • Up to 50 per cent fast launch and shutdown time for Windows 10.
  • Up to 20 per cent faster virtual machine suspend.
  • Introduction of Travel Mode which extends battery life by up to 25 per cent.
  • Improved network performance.
  • Always-on Cortana that enables users to access the virtual personal assistant with Mac applications even when Windows 10 is not the forefront application.

Considering Siri, Apple’s version of Cortana, isn’t even available on Macs yet, Parallels has definitely brought on an interesting new feature. For those wondering how they can access Cortana in Australia, we’ve put together an article on this topic here.

The Pro and Business Editions have a few added extras. For the Pro version, there’s integration with developer tools such as Docker, Visual Studio (plug-in), Chef and Jenkins, Vagrant, Guest OS debugging and network simulation. As for the Business one, there’s a range of IT admin features.

You can get Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Editions on the company’s website. Pricing is as follows:

  • Desktop for Mac: $99.95
  • Pro Edition: $124.95 per year
  • Business Edition: $124.95 per year
  • Upgrades from older versions: $64.95 per year

The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

Here are the cheapest plans available for Australia’s most popular NBN speed tier.

At Lifehacker, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.

Comments