Parallels today introduced a major update to its Parallels Access app for remote access to Macs and Windows PCs. Originally available only on iPad, this release adds support for iPhones along with Android phones and tablets; it also delivers new features for even better remote experience, and introduces Parallels Access for Business which lets companies centrally assign, manage, and secure remote access to their computers.
Since the introduction in August 2013, road warriors have become more productive with Parallels Access while on the move. It enables them to leave their laptops back in the office and travel light with iPads. For others, Parallels Access provides insurance for those inevitable, unanticipated events life throws at them: getting a file that is needed now but is sitting on the computer at home, or completing an urgent project while on the move with only a mobile device.
“Parallels Access received a tremendously positive reception from iPad users, and now we are extending our solution to millions of Android and iPhone users. While traditional remote desktop products are trying to show a large desktop on a small mobile device, we worked hard to make remote access from mobile devices a truly simple and effective experience,” said Jack Zubarev, president of Parallels, in a statement. “With this in mind, Parallels Access enables people to interact with full-featured Mac and PC apps with touch gestures just like the apps were made for their iPhone, iPad or Android device.”
In addition to new platforms, new features include:
• Facebook login integration lets users log in quickly and easily.
• Ability to launch desktop applications with a single tap right from the home screen of an Android device.
• A new file browser lets iOS users quickly browse and open files on their remote computer using Parallels Access.
• Desktop applications that use a microphone can now be used with the microphone on your iPad or iPhone.
• Ability to change screen resolution for best fit for different types of devices.
Laura DiDio, principal analyst of ITIC, said in a statement, “Parallels Access is a must-have mechanism to remotely access your Windows or Mac applications and files from your tablet or phone. Its breakthrough ‘applification’ technology transforms desktop applications and integrates native mobile features and functions so they are fully usable with touch gestures as though they were made for your mobile device. The result,” she added, “is the industry’s best Windows and Mac remote access application. Parallels Access is a reliable, fast and intuitive experience that finally makes mobile devices effective productivity tools.”
Tim Bajarin, CEO and analyst at Creative Strategies, said in a statement, “Today most all employees have an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or Android phone and carry them everywhere. Until recently they were merely consumption devices. Now, thanks to revolutionary apps that transform mobile devices into powerful productivity tools, people can intuitively access all of their full-featured Windows and Mac computer applications and files from anywhere so they can get more done on the move.”
Parallels Access for Business subscriptions enable IT admins to centrally manage Parallels Access for their employees, including granting or restricting access and reassigning accounts as needed. Business Account subscriptions start at $49.99 per year for five computers. As a limited-time special offer, Parallels Access for Business is available for free for unlimited users and computers until July 31, 2014. Details are available online at www.parallels.com/access-business.
Parallels Access is available in the Apple iTunes App Store with a two-week free trial. Individual subscriptions are available for $19.99 for one year or $34.99 for two years, and include the ability to access up to five remote computers from an unlimited number of iOS and Android tablets and phones. As a limited-time special offer, new customers who purchase Parallels Access until June 30, 2014 can get a two-year subscription for $29.99.
Hardware Requirements:
• iPad : iPad mini and iPad 2 or later running iOS 7
• iPhone : iPhone 4s and later running iOS 7
• Android : Tablets and phones running Android 4.0 and later (good luck with that)
Remote computers can be a Mac running OS X Mavericks (10.9), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) and OS X Lion (10.7) or a crappy PC running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.
More info via Apple’s App Store here.
Source: Parallels
Why doesn’t Apple just turn on VNC in iOS? I work on my laptop while sitting at my iMac all the time.
Try the VNC app.
Yep. VNC app is great. I have two systems that I have port forwarding enabled in which I can use the VNC to access my systems outside my network. Works like a charm.
Use Teamviewer, multiplatform, great iOS apps, works from and to Win 7 and Macs, and: it’s free for personal use!
isn’t “crappy PC” redundant?
in the App Store, Parallels claims this app is “free,” however reading users’ comments reveals that, not only do you have to pay for it, but you have to pay £54 each and every year to continue using it. It seems this app ain’t for sale—it’s only for rent. Sheesh!
The word ‘free’ clearly has had a 180-degree twist of meaning at the hands of Parallels. They’re not just being ‘economical with the truth,’ they’re being positively miserly with it!
Perhaps they’d like to see what they could do with the expressions ‘liar’, ‘con man’ and ‘boycott this lying firm’s POS products’ !!
What do you mean, “subscription?”