The newest Parallels Desktop replace (v20.3) is a doozy. Not solely does it construct on Parallels’ x86 emulation engine, however it introduces OBS digital digicam assist in VMs, USB gadget assist on virtualized Mac desktops, Contact ID login, and extra.

Let’s begin with x86 emulation, since that is the one factor that is not actually “new” right here. Parallels Desktop started utilizing FEX, an open-source app, as the premise for its emulation engine in January of this yr. The Parallels app was beforehand restricted to desktop virtualization—in case you had been on an Apple Silicon Mac, you could possibly solely use Parallels to run ARM-based working techniques like Home windows on ARM. Desktop emulation opens the door to 64-bit x86 working techniques, together with the usual model of Home windows and a swath of Linux distros.

Whereas the Parallels Desktop 20.3 replace does not make any main adjustments to the present emulation engine, it does resolve issues that prompted critical points like freezing or crashing throughout Linux emulation—a wonderful bugfix for builders, lovers, or anybody who must run an x86 Linux distro on their Mac.

Alright, now we will transfer on to the brand new stuff. One of the notable additions to Parallels Desktop 20.3 is OBS digital digicam tunneling. Now you can arrange an OBS feed in your Mac and select it as a live video source within Windows apps like Zoom or Groups—an attention-grabbing function that makes it easier to juggle apps in Coherence mode.

And for safety professionals or builders, Parallels Desktop now helps USB gadgets in macOS VMs. This has been a long-requested function amongst some Parallels prospects, and evidently Apple is partially chargeable for its growth—”due to the changes launched in Apple’s framework with macOS 15, USB passthrough is now a actuality for macOS VMs on Apple silicon.” (On that notice, USB passthrough solely works on machines operating macOS 15 or later releases. Audio gadgets and iPhones are nonetheless unsupported, too.)

Curiously, the Parallels crew additionally took the time to construct “enhanced Mac integration” for the Dragon Medical One scientific documentation app. Dragon Medical One is a well-liked Home windows-only resolution for healthcare specialists who need to dictate notes, slightly than typing them manually—it already labored in Parallels, after all, however textual content dictated to the app by a VM atmosphere can now be routinely copied over to “a delegated macOS app.” It is sort of troublesome to clarify, so examine the video demonstration in case your curiosity is piqued.

Different enhancements embrace Contact ID authentication throughout Parallels Desktop set up (the app beforehand required password enter upon set up) and a refined activation management for managed Macs in enterprise environments.

Parallels Desktop begins at $99 a yr however is currently on sale for $75. Present subscribers can set up the 20.3 replace right now totally free, although prospects who purchased a Parallels Desktop license by a one-time buy might have to pay an improve charge, relying on which model of the app they paid for.

Supply: Parallels