Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Parallels Desktop 20 Released: New Features for AI Development, DevOps, and More

Parallels Desktop, the popular virtual machine manager for macOS, just received a major update with the release of Parallels Desktop 20. This new iteration brings a slew of features designed to enhance the user experience for developers, AI enthusiasts, and even those who simply need to run older versions of macOS.

AI Takes Center Stage with the Parallels AI Package

One of the most exciting additions is the "Parallels AI Package," a pre-configured virtual machine that's readily available in the extension catalog. This package is designed to make AI development more accessible, offering a streamlined environment packed with AI development toolkits and coding suggestions.

Parallels emphasizes the accessibility of the AI Package, highlighting its potential for developers of all levels. "These [toolkits] allow developers to start working and experimenting with AI at a low cost, with quick onboarding, and the ability to test on different configurations, including those without network access," explains Ary Collet Junior, the product marketing manager.

The AI Package VMs can be downloaded and run offline, enabling users to explore language models and other AI applications without an internet connection. The VMs can also be locked and isolated, enhancing security and protecting sensitive data.

Streamlining DevOps with GitHub Actions Integration

For developers and DevOps teams, Parallels Desktop 20 introduces integration with GitHub Actions, enabling automated deployment and control of Parallels Desktop VMs directly from GitHub repositories. This integration aims to simplify development workflows by eliminating manual steps, reducing potential errors, and accelerating development cycles.

The update also introduces improvements to the Parallels Desktop DevOps service, providing enhanced capabilities for hosting and managing multiple virtual machines. A new portal within the Enterprise edition allows administrators to manage and deploy VMs from a central dashboard, further streamlining operations.

Enhanced macOS VM Capabilities

The latest update also brings several improvements for running macOS VMs, catering to developers and those needing to run legacy software on older macOS versions. Parallels Desktop 20 now includes snapshot capabilities for easy rollback, faster VM setup, and support for Apple's M-series chipsets.

Apple ID Login for macOS VMs

The update also addresses a long-standing issue with macOS virtual machines, finally enabling users to log in using their Apple IDs. Previously, attempts to log in with an Apple ID on a macOS VM resulted in a verification error. With the macOS Sequoia 15 update, due to be released on September 16, this issue has been resolved.

Microsoft Copilot Integration

Parallels Desktop, already Microsoft-certified to run Windows 11 VMs, now integrates with Microsoft Copilot. The Parallels Visual Studio Code extension enables users to control virtual machines created in Visual Studio using natural language commands.

Pricing and Availability

Parallels Desktop 20 is available for purchase from the company's website. A 14-day free trial allows users to experience the new features before committing to a purchase. A one-time purchase for a single machine costs $129.99, while the Pro version, including all future updates, is available for $99.99 per year per machine.

Conclusion

Parallels Desktop 20 offers a comprehensive suite of updates designed to enhance productivity for a wide range of users. From improved AI development tools to streamlined DevOps workflows, this update aims to empower developers, AI enthusiasts, and everyday users with enhanced virtual machine management capabilities. The integration with macOS Sequoia 15 and Microsoft Copilot further underscores the commitment to delivering a seamless and versatile virtual machine experience.

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