Parallels Desktop 12 announced, will be released August 23rd

The perpetually useful Parallels Desktop has just hit version 12.

The new version arrives with support for macOS Sierra alongside a new standalone app called Parallels Toolbox, which allows users to perform some simple tasks that aren’t necessarily tied to virtualization.

New features include a Windows 10 “always on” function wherein Windows 10 continues to run in the background and apps can be instantly launched. the ability to schedule incremental backups and Windows updates, the ability to assign special behaviors to Windows apps, improved integration for Microsoft Edge, Outlook, and Office 365, and Xbox app support. Additionally, Parallels has partnered with Blizzard to provide specific support for the hit game Overwatch.

Parallels Desktop 12 also includes 90 percent faster snapshot creation, 60 percent faster suspension of VMs, 25 percent faster shared folder performance, 25 percent faster compilation of Visual Studio projects, and up to 10 percent in battery life improvements for “certain environments.”

The new version also sports a standalone app called the Parallels Toolbox, which places a drop-down menu in the Mac’s menu bar, allowing for quick access to tasks like screen recording, taking screenshots, recording audio, archiving files, locking the screen and downloading and converting video.

Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is $79.99, while Desktop 10 or 11 users may upgrade for $49.99. The Business and Pro Editions are also available with a subscription fee of $99.99 per year, although Parallels 10 and 11 users with perpetual licenses can upgrade for $49.99 per year. Parallels Toolbox can be purchased for $10 per year or will be included with your Parallels Desktop 12 license.

Parallels 10 and 11 users can upgrade now at the company’s website. New users can purchase Parallels 12 starting on August 23. Parallels Toolbox also launches August 23.

Via MacRumors