virtualization
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New Parallels Beta adds support for iPhone, other enhancements
I love the iPhone and I love virtualization software like Parallels to run Windows on my Mac. But until now I couldn't get my two loves together if I needed to sync my iPhone with Windows while running it in Parallels. Well, according to the official Parallels blog, that problem may now be a thing of the past due to recent improvements in the software. At the site, they detail information concerning the latest beta release of their software which contains a host of new and improved features.Among these new and improved features are a fix for Coherence Windows which now will work in Expose' and a fix for the Image Tool to allow it to work with snapshotted drives. Other changes include improvements to the Parallels' Explorer tool which allows you to view information on your virtual hard drive even when Parallels isn't running and, of course, the previously mentioned ability to sync your IPhone with Windows XP or Vista running in Parallels.All of the other improvements seem like good ones but you're probably asking yourself why would someone want to sync an iPhone with Windows in Parallels when they can just sync it to the Mac OS? Well, the answer is also found at the Parallels blog, as written by Ben Rudolph. "Yes, I realize the irony of syncing an Apple device with Windows running on a Mac, but lots of people need to hook their iPhones up to Outlook. Try not to judge." Sounds reasonable to me.
VMware Fusion set for August 6th release
Running Windows is something that most people need to do at some point, that's a fact. Luckily for us Mac users running Windows on Intel Macs is much better than emulating Windows on PPC Macs (I still shudder when I think back to my Virtual PC days). This is because instead of having to emulate the processor architecture, as well as run the software, it is possible to 'virtualize' Windows on Intel Macs. This means that Windows runs in its own little space on your Mac's Intel chip (that's a gross over simplification, but you get the idea).My virtualization app of choice, VMware Fusion, is finally entering the home stretch of its beta. VMware told our friends at Ar Technica that the final version of Fusion will be available for purchase on August 6th for $79.99 (you can preorder it up until the 5th for $39.99). VMware Fusion builds on VMware's rock solid virtualization technology and wraps it up in a pretty Cocoa shell. Check out all Fusion's features here.
VMware Fusion beta updated to 4.1
In all the iCommotion at the end of the week, we neglected to mention that on Thursday the VMware Fusion beta got a quick update to version 4.1, addressing the needs of three specific user classes: 10.4.10 users (USB updates), new MacBook Pro owners (also USB -- compatibility changes for the Santa Rosa chipset), and Leopard testers (beta virtualization on a beta OS may cause your computer to explode). You can register to download the update and get a free temporary serial number good until VMware ships the final version of Fusion.We've had plenty of coverage of VMware over the past months, including a WWDC video interview; check 'em out.
Microsoft flip-flops again: now no Vista Home on Macs
We've seen our fair share of flip-flopping in the past, and Microsoft is yet again adding its name to the frowned upon list by retracting previous intentions to allow Windows Vista Home and Home Premium operating systems to run under virtualization. After reportedly stating that it would "change the EULA after listening to customer feedback on the issue," it appears that the suits in Redmond have thought better of said decision. Now, the firm has "reassessed the Windows virtualization policy and decided that maintaining the original policy announced last Fall" would be best. Ben Rudolph, Parallels director of corporate communications, noted that he was "obviously disappointed" in Microsoft's change of heart, but if the two-faced Mac users out there can persuade Google to take their side, we're sure this little spat could be cleared up in no time.[Image courtesy of ElliottBack]
TUAW Video: VMware Fusion
Click To Play Pat Lee was kind enough to join us in TUAW's mobile lab (aka the Marriott) and give us a whirlwind tour of VMware's latest and greatest Fusion offering. While Parallels was first out the door with a virtualization app, VMware has been in the business for a long time, and they've put that expertise to use in developing some very robust, Mac-like features for this latest offering.
Parallels 3.0 brings 3D PC games inside Mac OS X
With Apple's transition to Intel hardware came the promise of playing PC games on your Mac. Some months later, with the introduction of Boot Camp, that promise became a reality. And now, with the launch of Parallels 3.0, you don't even need to leave Mac OS X and boot into Windows to play your Windows games. The popular virtualization app has just released version 3.0 (has it been that long already?) and the killer new feature is: 3D graphics (with OpenGL and DirectX -- XP now, Vista later) support. Parallels 3.0 currently retails for $80 ($50 if you're upgrading), or you can register and receive a 15-day trial key. Peep Quake 4 played inside Mac OS after the break.[Via TUAW]
Parallels Desktop 3 officially released
After teasing us by announcing a release candidate for beta testers (and a sale that is now over) and posting videos of Quake 4 - a very resource-intensive game - running impressively well in Parallels, this powerful new v3.0 of the leading virtualization suite for Mac OS X has been released. Offering significant new features like we already mentioned, such as the highly-anticipated 3D acceleration (XP for now, Vista to come) and SmartSelect for specifying files types to open in apps across virtualized OSes, this could easily be called the most significant release of Parallels since the advent of Coherence Mode. Parallels Desktop 3.0 sells for $79.99 and is ready for download now, with 15-day trial keys are available to those who already used trial keys for previous versions.
IBM kicks out energy-efficient 4.7GHz POWER6 processor
Nah, it's no BlueGene L supercomputer, but IBM's latest dual-core microprocessor runs at a cool 4.7GHz while sporting 8MB of total cache per chip. The device reportedly runs "twice as fast" and packs four times the cache as the POWER5, and boasts a processor bandwidth of 300Gbps. Interestingly, the massive power increase doesn't seem to come with a boost in energy requirements, as IBM claims that the 65-nanometer POWER6 somehow ups its game while "using nearly the same amount of electricity" as its predecessor. The company plans on shoving the new darling into the System p570 server, and preliminary testing showed that all four of the "most widely used performance benchmarks for Unix servers" were shattered by its CPU. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing nor availability just yet, but we're anticipating a bit of sticker shock when it does finally land.[Via LinuxDevices]
Parallels Technology Network launches VM library
One of the advantages of a mature virtualization platform (I'm looking at you, VMware) is an extensive library of prepackaged, load-and-go virtual machine appliances. Want to try out a vTiger CRM deployment, a MediaWiki server, an open-source Zimbra webmail setup or a professional-grade VPN gateway? All are available from VMware's extensive Virtual Appliance Marketplace, and all should work OK with the current VMware beta for Mac.You'd expect the new hotness in virtualization to come up with a similar offering, and you'd be expecting right: this week Parallels announced the Parallels Technology Network, a support forum for VM-appliance developers and a clearinghouse for packaged apps. The selection of appliances is dramatically smaller than VMware's for now, but if you feel like being adventurous you could try converting a VMware appliance [pdf] for Parallels use. Some of the Parallels packages are coming from the new VM packaging service JumpBox, which looks to be both user- and Mac-friendly (check out the CEO's MacBook in the demo video).If you've ever been curious about building a wiki, running a mail server, or any of these crazy back-office activities, VM appliances are a wonderful way to get started.[via Ars Technica Infinite Loop]
RIM developing BlackBerry virtualization software
In an aggressive move aimed at wooing the millions of smartphone users who would be interested in owning a BlackBerry -- just not all the time -- RIM will be releasing an innovative piece of software that allows its OS to run inside Windows Mobile 6. To many cellphone addicts this news is the equivalent of Parallels opening up Windows on Apple machines, as Pocket PC phones will not simply be skinned or loaded with BlackBerry Connect, but rather endowed with the full capabilities of a standalone BlackBerry -- including the ability to run third party programs. While so far the virtualization software -- slated for drop this fall, possibly free with subscription -- will only work on Crossbow, it's possible that the company could decide to support other platforms in the future, such as the Palm OS or its Linux-based successor, though no promises have been made. Bottom line is that this looks to be good news all around: RIM gets more unsuspecting users hooked on the Crackberry mentality, consumers can now have the best of both worlds when it comes to hardware / software combos, and even old Microsoft may come out on top, with the new members of the WinMo ecosystem potentially outweighing the flight from Exchange servers.
The Power of Mac or a Pointless Use of Parallels
Okay, I'll admit right up front that this is completely pointless, but nonetheless it's a nice demonstration of the power of OS X (with Parallels). Jaanus over at Skype realized they have released clients for four platforms: OS X, Windows, Linux, and Windows Mobile. He started wondering if it would be possible to run all four at the same time. Turns out, thanks to Parallels, it is. He set up two Parallels virtual machines (one for Windows and one for Linux), then within the Windows VM he ran the Windows Mobile emulator. He had a little trouble with the WM version, but eventually even got that working. Behold the Power of Mac! Also, check out his screenshot on Flickr for full notes.[Via Download Squad]
VMware Fusion Beta 2 with Experimental 3D Graphics
Well this is interesting, in the wake of all the hype over the new release of Parallels comes a potential bombshell from competitor VMware. We mentioned the first beta release back in December, but now the second beta of VMware fusion has appeared and includes the long sought-after "experimental" Direct X 8.1 accelerated 3D graphics support (news of which leaked some time ago). It also features a Rollback feature that lets you "take a snapshot of your virtual machine configured just the way you like it, so you can quickly roll back to that ideal state whenever you need to, with a single click." Of course, Parallels still has cool exclusive features like Coherence mode, but VMware's offering looks more and more tempting. Hopefully this will spur the Parallels guys to getting 3D support out the door.The beta is available for download, but registration is required.[Via Digg]
VMWare video hints at full DirectX virtualization in OS X
Mac users, listen up: a video has appeared on YouTube that shows an internal beta version of VMWare running Windows games at full speed from within Mac OS X. Accompanying this intriguing video is a blog post from Regis Duchesne, a developer at VMWare, who confirms that there are internal beta builds of the program that support DirectX 8.1 virtualization. Regis notes that VMWare is currently working on DirectX 9 support and therefore, compatibility with Windows Vista's Aero interface technology. As nice as compatibility with Aero sounds, the main appeal for the first version of VMWare to support DirectX will be convenience: instead of having to boot into a Windows XP partition or deal with other flakier programs, Mac users will be able to run Windows games at full speed from within Mac OS X. Since VMWare's primary competitor -- Parallels -- has also promised to implement DirectX virtualization into Parallels Desktop, it's still up in the air as to which company will be the first to include this feature in a retail offering. So, PC gaming fanboys, what are you going to do all day now that your favorite phrase -- "Mac gaming is an oxymoron" -- doesn't cut it on the Mac gaming forums anymore?[Via TUAW]
Found Footage: VMWare Fusion To Bring 3D Hardware Acceleration
We've all been waiting patiently for Parallels to deliver on their promise to add hardware accelerated 3D graphics support in their Intel Mac virtualization solution, Parallels Desktop. Apparently, however, competitor VMware already has some working code. The above video, featuring 3D accelerated gaming, appeared recently on Youtube, and now it seems that a VMware employee is confirming that for some time VMware has contained a "semi-hidden switch" for activating 3D support on the Linux and Windows versions. Since VMware's still beta Mac product, VMware Fusion, is built on the same codebase as VMware Workstation 6, it too will support Direct X 8.1 (as demonstrated in the video). They are apparently working towards an internal goal of supporting Direct X 9 and thus Vista's Aero. As much as I like Parallels Desktop, this just confirms it: competition is good! Now get back to work Parallels!Thanks Mark!
Vista EULA forbids virtualization
TUAW reader Rae pointed us to this post on the Parallels Virtualization blog, which confirms details of the end user license agreement that came to light last Autumn. Microsoft's EULA specifically forbids using Vista Home Basic and Vista Home Premium with virtualization technologies. This means that if you want to run Vista on Parallels, and want to keep within the terms of the EULA, you'll need to buy either the Business or Ultimate versions, whose EULAs allow for virtualized use. After public outcry, Microsoft did change the EULA at least once before to allow users to deinstall their version from one computer and reinstall it on another. Hopefully, a similar grass roots movement will encourage Microsoft to rethink their stance on virtualization for their lower-end Vista releases.
Welcome to Bizarro World: Parallels and VMware running Mac OS X on XP?
OK, the Parallels-dar was apparently down for refurbishment this weekend, since everyone else has this story already: CNN/Money has posted a column by David Fitzpatrick of Fortune that reveals some fascinating tidbits about virtualization in, and virtualization of, Mac OS X.Fitzpatrick announced, apparently for the first time in public, that Parallels is the corporate child of server-side virtualization company SWsoft, makers of VM tool Virtuozzo and server management console Plesk. It's SWsoft's deep pockets that have been keeping the lights on during the cold Moscow winters (most of the Parallels dev team is located in Russia). Even more fascinating, Fitzpatrick quotes the chiefs of both SWsoft and VMware on another topic (emphasis mine):VMware's CEO Diane Greene told me last week that her company's existing x86 desktop product is already being used by some to run Mac OS on computers from Dell, HP and others, though this is not intentional on VMware's part. SWsoft's Beloussov says that this spring, Parallels will upgrade its software further, in a way that by coincidence will make it easier to run Mac OS on a non-Apple computer. He also insists that is not deliberate, but just a consequence of the nature of the technology, especially now that Intel builds virtualization technology into its chips. Really truly? If this is happening, it's a very big deal. With the back-office expertise of both VMware and SWsoft, when Mac OS X (or, more likely, Mac OS X Server) becomes a virtualized player on server-class systems, it's going to shake things up quite a bit for Mac server admins. If any of you out there are already running Mac OS X under VMware on Windows... don't hide your light under a bushel, let us know about it.Update 8 am ET: Several loyal night-shift readers have noted that a hacked version of OS X has been runnable under VMware for some time. I'm aware of this, but -- and no disrespect to the dedicated folks at insanelymac.com that are working to optimize the experience -- this situation is parallel (pun intended) to the XPonMac.com boot loader vs. Boot Camp. When a boxed copy of OS X runs under a standard install of VMware or Parallels, you've entered what I shudder to call the Hack-Free Zone; that's a place where the non-enthusiast community may take advantage of the capability, as happened with Boot Camp. Not to forget, OS X does not require serial number activation... so a Parallels image of OS X would be infinitely portable. That's not gonna last.Thanks David![via Download Squad/Engadget]
Parallels to turn it around, help Mac OS onto generic PC boxen
With the popularity of software like Apple's Boot Camp and SWsoft's Parallels, it's no secret that people want to run Windows and Mac OS on the same box, but who says that it has to be an Apple box? Well, Apple does, and the company has staunchly defended itself from the porting of OS X into the mad world of PC generics (not with total success, of course). But with mounting pressure from users and increasing software support from VMware and SWsoft, Steve Jobs might have to let go of his tight grasp on his shiny blue OS -- or at least turn the other way as OS X makes its way onto those vile, inferior, and cheaper x86 machines without his blessing. On that front, there's good news on the horizon: it turns out an upcoming version of Parallels just so happens to "make it easier to run Mac OS on a non-Apple computer," by some unknown but welcome means. VMware's own upcoming virtualization software for the Mac has been hamstrung by the trouble VMware has gone through trying to get Apple's blessing, and SWsoft's Parallels has been "crippled" in particular ways to make it more difficult to get Mac OS onto a non-Apple machine, but it seems like it's only going to get harder for Apple to have it both ways, and Intel's inclusion of virtualization in its own chips just compounds the "problem." Michael Dell has also reconfirmed his desire to pre-load Mac OS onto his own boring boxes "if customers wanted it and Apple would license it on reasonable terms," but that tantalizing offer doesn't seem to have swayed Apple yet.[Via Techmeme]
Virtual Box: Open Source Virtualization Coming to the Mac
Parallels has been doing an amazing job with their Parallel's Desktop, and industry heavy-weight VMWare is also making waves with their Fusion client. So you might ask whether another competitor is really needed in the virtualization space. But this one, Virtual Box, comes with a twist: it's recently been open sourced, so we can presumably expect the open source community to pitch in and make it better. Their OS X client is still at a very early stage of development, and no binary is yet available for download. But they do have instructions for anybody who would like to try building it (i.e. compiling from source code), along with a screenshot. At this point, this is more of a project to keep an eye out for, rather than anything approaching the solutions from Parallel's and VMWare. But new Open Source solutions are pretty much always good news in my book. Needless to say, this is Intel only.[Via The Mac Robotics Blog]Thanks Roberto!
Release Candidate 2 of CrossOver Mac
The virtualization market for the Mac is hot. Crossover, a WINE link environment for Windows apps on OS X, has just released their Release Candidate 2 for public testing. Release candidates traditionally signal that a product is almost ready for primetime. I haven't had a chance to play around with this release yet, but all it has to do is actually work to be better than my experience with earlier iterations of the beta.RC 2 introduces support for Quickbook, improvements to the web browser in Quicken 2007 (who knew Quicken had a web browser?) and several other improvements.The beta of CrossOver Mac is free to use for 60 days, but the final product won't be.
Turn your Xserve into two machines
Not literally, of course, but Tom Yager writes that he has been able to replace two of his Windows servers with one Xserve, running Windows 2003. How has he accomplished this feat? By the good graces of Parallels Desktop and the wonders of virtualization. Tom promises to give more details about his setup, but he claims that the 3 servers running on his Xserve (one OS X, 2 Windows 2003) are smokin'.Tom Yager is a big fan of the Xserve, but I have to wonder about the wisdom of running enterprise level software in a consumer oriented virtualization product. I know I wouldn't be comfortable running any mission critical servers in Parallels since it is missing many enterprise level options that industrial strength virtualization solutions offer, and rightfully so. Parallels is working on a server version of their software, though I don't know if they plan on supporting OS X. Their website mentions running Windows, Linux, OS/2 or FreeBSD on the host machine, though they don't say what OS the host machine has to run.