Parallels Desktop 9 with OS X Mavericks and Cloud Services Support Launches for Existing Customers

Parallels today announced the launch of Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac, the latest version of the company's software for running alternate operating systems such as Windows in virtualized environments on the Mac. The new version is available today as an upgrade for existing Parallels users, and it goes on sale for new customers September 5, in line with pre-order information that began popping up earlier this month.

Parallels Desktop 9 brings a number of new features and enhancements, including faster performance and support for Apple's upcoming OS X Mavericks and Microsoft's Windows 8.1, while also building in new support for a number of cloud services. Among the main features of Parallels Desktop 9 are:

- Support for cloud services: Sync iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive etc., with your Mac and your Windows virtual machine without unnecessary duplication of files locally
- Enhanced Windows 8 and 8.1 support: Parallels Desktop brings back the real Start menu and lets customers use Metro apps in a window instead of full screen
- Security Center: Easily access and install complimentary security software subscriptions to keep the Mac and Windows virtual machines safe from viruses and malware, all from one location
- Enhanced new Virtual Machine Wizard: It is easier than ever to set up a new virtual machine, especially on computers that don’t have DVD drives
- Power Nap support: On a Retina MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the Power Nap feature now extends to Windows and Windows apps, so virtual machines and all Windows applications are always up-to-date


Upgrade pricing on Parallels Desktop 9 for users of version 7 or 8 is $49.99, with standard retail pricing set at $79.99 for regular users and $39.99 for students. Customers who purchased Parallels Desktop 8 on or after August 15 can also receive a free upgrade to version 9.

For a limited time, Parallels Desktop 9 customers also receive a free six-month subscription to the new Parallels Access service that allows users to access Mac and Windows machines from their iPads.

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Top Rated Comments

twintin Avatar
158 months ago
I think for most it would be much cheaper to buy a secondary machine instead of paying their yearly Parallels-tax...

or just use Virtualbox, which is free.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cymerc Avatar
158 months ago
If Parallels actually supported their software I'd probably get this. They seem to have a bad habit of dropping support as soon as there is a new version (which is every year).
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Detektiv-Pinky Avatar
158 months ago
If Parallels actually supported their software I'd probably get this. They seem to have a bad habit of dropping support as soon as there is a new version (which is every year).
It is amazing how much money people are prepared to invest to run Windows on a Mac. I think for most it would be much cheaper to buy a secondary machine instead of paying their yearly Parallels-tax...
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
john123 Avatar
158 months ago
It is amazing how much money people are prepared to invest to run Windows on a Mac. I think for most it would be much cheaper to buy a secondary machine instead of paying their yearly Parallels-tax...

It's not about cost. It's about convenience. Having two machines, especially for those of us who are mobile/laptop only, just isn't viable. Plus, the integration of files between the guest and the host OS actually comes in handy.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Codyak Avatar
158 months ago
If you whant to play still dent upgrade!Sounds an mice does not work at all.

Did you just have a stroke?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
158 months ago
Parallels is basically subscription-ware. It is very good at eventually breaking with OS X updates, and you have to pay to acquire a version that works again.

I got tired of the constant pay pay pay and switched to VirtualBox. VirtualBox is free and works nearly as well.

Other software doesn't break when OS X updates, why must Parallels?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)