Parallels update brings Retina Display support
Taking advantage of Apple's new displays, this update offers smoother text and image rendering when running virtualized operating systems.
Parallels has released an update to its popular Parallels Desktop virtualization software for OS X, which allows users to take advantage of Apple's new Retina Display both on the iPad and in the new MacBook Pro.
Parallels Desktop has been one of the top virtualization solutions for OS X, allowing you to run a number of guest operating systems within your Mac and run various programs along side your Mac's applications. In addition to running Windows programs, Parallels has integrated tools that allow for relatively seamless access to your documents from the virtual machine, and with the latest Parallels 7 version the company has augmented the virtualization experience by offering a Parallels Mobile app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. This Mobile app allows you to interact with your Mac or the virtual machines running on it through the iOS device from anywhere you can get an Internet connection.
With this latest update, Parallels has enhanced these programs to include support for the new Retina Display that Apple has been introducing in its devices. This support will now allow a more enriched viewing experience with smoother text and images. In a recent knowledge-base article, Parallels outlined the enhancements in the latest release:
- Run Windows 8, Ubuntu, and Fedora on the latest models of Mac computers (MacBook Air (mid 2012), MacBook Pro (mid 2012), MacBook Pro with Retina Display).
- Run Fedora 17 in virtual machines.
- Install Parallels Desktop on Mac computers running OS X Mountain Lion.
- Use IMG disc images for the virtual machine CD/DVD-ROM drive.
- Use USB 3.0 devices in virtual machines.
- Improved Parallels Mobile connectivity with Mac.
- Improved Linux distributions detection during Express installation.
- Enhanced Retina Display support.
The update is available through the Parallels update feature within the Parallels Desktop program, or can be downloaded from the Parallels Web site. The update is 312.2MB in size.
Be sure before you apply this update that you have a backup of any virtual machines you rely on.
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