Parallels has announced the next version of its virtualisation application for Mac OS X. Among the new features are the ability to use Lion features, including Mission Control and Launchpad, with Windows applications.
iSight and FaceTime HD cameras can now be shared between Windows and Mac applications, and Lion can be run as a guest OS — the first time a version of Mac OS X can be run in this way.
Desktop 7 supports up to 1GB of video memory and Parallels claims that graphics performance is 45% faster than in previous versions. The speed of starting, stopping, and resuming Windows sessions has also been boosted, by 60%, says Parallels.
The company also announced Parallels Mobile App, which allows Windows and Mac applications to be accessed from an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Parallels Desktop 7 will be available on 6 September for £64.99. Upgrades from previous versions will cost £34.99.
