Now, a user can access all files on a computer via an OS X-Finder like file browser.
The gesture controls and quick navigation between open apps previously existed on the iPad version.īesides bringing the existing feature-set over to the iPhone and Android devices, Parallels is adding a significant new feature for all Access platforms: a file browser. Navigating between multiple applications is also intuitive with a gesture swipe interface and customer touch controls (as seen above). This is very cool, and you have to actually use it to fully grasp the true power of the software. The effect of this interface is essentially another app launcher on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, but one which accesses and launches apps from your computers. In fact, as you can see in the image above, it even works on the Android version (which is also debuting today). This app launching interface is custom designed by Parallels for the Access app and it is native, not simply a remote representation of Launchpad.
One of the coolest features from the demo, which is new to all platforms in this new 2.0 version, is the ability to use the iOS Device’s microphone to power sound input to the remote computer.Īnother impressive feature in Parallels Access, which was previously available on the iPad variant, is an OS X-Launchpad like menu for selecting applications. Moving between applications was fluid and manipulating the Mac’s content worked quickly. The computer that we chose in the demo was based in Russia, yet it loaded up quickly over an LTE Personal Hotspot connection. The application quickly loaded up a selection of different computers connected to the demo Parallels Access account. In fact, it will be getting a spot on my first iPhone Home screen. In some ways, since it is not a computer replacement like an iPad is for some people, the iPhone feels like a more logical device for using Parallels Access…Įarlier this month in San Francisco, Parallels executives previewed the new iPhone application for me (and I have tested it myself the past few days), and I see myself using Parallels Access often. Now, Parallels is bringing the Parallels Access experience to the smaller screen of the iPhone.
The application allows you to use your Mac swiftly and connects over the internet. Parallels Access utilizes gestures, iOS’s native keyboard with autocorrect and editing, “SmartMagnification” and “SmartTap” to make the computer feel responsive and alive on the iPad’s display. The application is far and above other remote desktop client applications because of its integration with iOS, OS X, Windows, its speed, and its overall reliability.
The software makes accessing and using a computer via the iPad’s touchscreen a breeze, and it provides a huge convenience factor for those times when you need to access something on your home computer but do not have the machine with you. In our review, we noted how blown away we were with the speed and performance of Parallels Access.
Last year, we reviewed Parallels Access, an application for the Apple iPad that allows the iPad to serve as a conduit for remotely accessing either a Mac or Windows machine. The name Parallels is synonymous with software for running the Windows OS on a Mac, but over the past couple of years, the company has turned into so much more.