(andPOP) - The release of Parallels Desktop 3.0, which is the first major update of Desktop for Mac since the launch of the Parallels Desktop for Mac in June 2006, introduces over 50 new features, enhancements and improvements for running Windows and Mac software at the same time on a single Intel-based Mac.
The release is anchored by SmartSelect, a new feature that lets users use any OS X or Windows application to open any file type, regardless of whether that file is on the Mac or Windows desktop. Users can select the right application to open a file each time via right click, or can set a default application association to ensure that a given class of file always opens in a specific application.
For example, if a user sets Word for Windows to be the default application to work with .doc, .rtf and .txt files, he or she could simply double click a file with that extension in either OS - even if it is an email attachment in Apple Mail or Entourage - and instantly open the file in Word for Windows.
SmartSelect is also automatically configured to mount and open Mac .dmg installer files in OS X, even if they were downloaded in Windows via Internet Explorer or Outlook, and to automatically open .exe files in Windows, even if they reside in Mac OS X.
"This new version is an important milestone for us helping computer users get the best of all operating systems on a single, seamless desktop," said Nick Dobrovolskiy, CEO of Parallels, Inc. "With new features that deliver more flexibility, increased security and peace-of-mind, working with multiple operating systems has never been easier, safer, or more fun."
Core New Features
Snapshots: Save the state of your virtual machine and revert back to that instant at any time.
Security Manager: Manager the level of sharing between Mac OS X and Windows.
Hardware-Accelerated 3D Graphics: Support for OpenGL and DirectX (you can now play Quake, Half-Life 2, WoW etc...).
Parallels Explorer: View and modify Windows without launching it.
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is available for online purchase at
www.parallels.com/en/buyonline, and boxed copies are available at the Apple Store, Fry's Electronics, MicroCenter, CompUSA, Amazon.com, Staples, Office Depot, select Best Buy locations, and hundreds of other retailers nationwide. The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is $79.99. New users are welcome to test a free, fully-functional copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac for 15 days.
