Parallels has officially released Parallels Desktop 20, a new version of its popular virtualization platform, which introduces a range of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities designed to enhance functionality for users operating across macOS, Windows, and Linux environments. This latest iteration of Parallels Desktop is compatible with macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2, promising improved performance and user experience.
A standout feature of Parallels Desktop 20 is its introduction of AI-ready virtual machines (VMs) designed to simplify and expedite AI application development. Notably, Parallels Desktop remains the only virtualization software authorised by Microsoft to run Windows on Apple silicon, offering developers greater flexibility and choice across various platforms.
With the rollout of an enhanced AI Package, users can access pre-configured virtual machines loaded with 14 AI development toolsets. These pre-configured VMs come complete with sample code and instructions, significantly streamlining the AI application development process. Users can download these VMs with a single click, facilitating the running of small language models within the virtual environment. The update allows for customisation of resources while enabling users to disable network access to further secure the working environment.
Integration with macOS Sequoia allows users to utilise the latest AI-powered tools from Apple while working seamlessly within Windows applications. Additionally, users on Apple silicon can benefit from the convenience of signing in to Apple ID directly within macOS virtual machines.
Performance enhancements feature prominently in this release, with Parallels Desktop 20 boasting up to an 80% improvement in specific workloads due to advancements in the Prism emulator, integral to Windows 11 on Arm. Furthermore, the new shared folder technology aims to improve compatibility and performance across different platforms, offering significant speed increases for some tasks in Mac files operated within Linux VMs.
Enterprises are not left behind with the new Parallels Desktop 20 Enterprise Edition, which introduces a new Management Portal for enterprise-level management and monitoring of virtual machines. Enhanced security policies, Single Sign-On (SSO), and volume licensing support are additional features offered in this edition. The software has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, underscoring its commitment to security integrity and its regular third-party testing for resisting cyber threats.
Developers and IT professionals can look forward to upgraded feature sets including Enhanced DevOps services, which support software development across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. The integration of Microsoft Copilot within the Visual Studio Code Extension now allows users to control virtual machines using natural language commands.
Available for purchase or upgrade via the Parallels website and authorised resellers, Parallels Desktop 20 is offered in Standard, Pro, and Business editions. For 2024, the Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions come with the Parallels AI Package at no additional cost.
Commenting on the release, Parallels CTO Prashant Ketkar highlighted the growing importance of AI capabilities in PCs. "As PCs become more AI-capable, we believe AI will soon be standard on every desktop. This shift challenges developers to update their applications to fully leverage AI-enabled PCs," Ketkar remarked. He added that the development of the Parallels AI Package aims to provide development teams, regardless of expertise level, with accessible AI models and code suggestions, significantly boosting productivity for software developers using a Mac.
Source: Noah Wire Services