![]() ![]() So why pay for an upgrade to Parallels 12? After reviewing the announcement materials and interviewing Parallels executives about the new release, I get the feeling that even they're struggling to offer a good reason.īesides the annual speed improvements for tasks like creating snapshots and suspending virtual machines, the first features mentioned in Parallels' announcement today won't make your virtual machines run any better. By contrast, the upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 totally broke Coherence Mode in Parallels 10 last year, and Parallels decided not to update the then-year-old version of its software to fix it. I've been running the Anniversary Update in Parallels 11, and it hasn't broken Coherence Mode. Today, the year-old Parallels Desktop 11 still fully supports Windows 10, even after the Anniversary Update recently pushed out by Microsoft. Without Coherence Mode, Windows applications are all contained in a single window that displays Microsoft's whole operating system. That's because Parallels 11 was the only version to support Windows 10 in Coherence Mode, which lets Windows applications run on a Mac in their own windows and integrate with the Mac's Notification Center. There was an obvious reason to upgrade to Parallels 11 last year for people who wanted to run Windows 10 on a Mac. For that use case, last year's Parallels Desktop 11 release is still good enough. While Parallels can run just about any operating system in a virtual machine, its primary purpose is letting Mac users run Windows applications. Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is thus being announced today, but there isn't much to be excited about. The new versions often coincide with major new Windows and Mac operating systems, requiring major software changes to bring new Windows features to Apple computers or to make sure everything keeps working properly. However, if, like me you prefer to use just Mac OS on your Mac, you can download Parallels Toolbox from At US$9.99 this collection of tools is well worth the price.Like clockwork, Parallels releases a new version of its desktop virtualization software for Mac computers every year. The Toolbox comes bundled with Parallels Desktop® 12. ![]() The news gets even better if you're planning on purchasing Parallels Desktop® 12 in the near future. In other words, using the Parallels Toolbox is ridiculously easy. Creating screencasts are now ridiculously easy. You also get to choose what source you are choosing for capturing the sound, which I think is pretty nifty. Tools that capture screen video now also capture audio generated by the Mac. Click here to see my stunning movie showing how simple it is. The people from Parallels say that most tools do not have settings but the one or two that do will have a gear on the top-right of the tool window. This tool is invaluable, and you can see how by clicking on this link. When I'm feeling creative, I don't want to be disturbed, and this tool means that Notifications will be delayed. I'm already enamoured with the Do Not Disturb tool. The Convert Video tool allows you to convert videos to be played on your mobile devices. The main window includes all the available features, and as I write I'm itching to play some more. I prefer the drop-down menu but it's not all about me. All the tools can be placed where you choose to use them. You can place them in your menu bar (see the video), your desktop or even the dock. The Take Photo tool opens a nifty unobtrusive window, and once you've taken your shot, you're directed to where you can find your photo in the Finder. It was my turn to cook tonight and I could tell that a late dinner would spell trouble. You can drag items around with abandon and customise the contents to suit you. As you can see, the Timer tool was running when I took the screen shot. The Favorite - Recent window holds the five most recent tools you have used or your favourite tools. Allow me to walk you through some of the features that will have you racing to download. It wont take you long to realise that there are a few nifty tools you may not have come across. ![]() While some of them may not be new to you, the Parallels toolbox puts them within reach. Nestled comfortably in your menu bar, this nifty little piece of software is full of features. However, unless you have an eidetic memory and can remember all their names, shortcuts and whether they're in your utilities folder, application folder or sitting in the Launchpad or the dock, they may go ignored while you do things the long way. Mac users will know that the Mac OS environment has a plethora of useful tools. Introducing an unParalleled toolbox for the Mac user ![]()
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