On top of increased compatibility with a wider range of mobile devices, this new update to Parallels Access also brings some new features to the app. They include Facebook login integration, the ability to open desktop apps with one tap from the Android home screen, a new file browser for iOS devices, and the ability to switch between different screen resolutions. Also, any microphone-centric features built into your desktop programs will also be usable from Parallels Access via your iPad’s and iPhone’s built in mic, though it’s unclear whether that functionality is available for the Android version of the software.
“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,” Jack Zubarev, president of Parallels said. “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.”
There are some OS requirements for Parallels Access that you should be aware of. Your mobile device needs to be running iOS 7, or Android 4.0 or later. On the hardware front, you’ll need an iPad mini, an iPad 2 ,or an iPhone 4S or later. Parallels says that Access supports “most” Android devices, but doesn’t mention any specifics in that area. On the desktop side, you’ll need OS X Lion 10.7 or later, or Windows 7 or later. With Parallels Access, you can tap into up to five desktop computers from an unlimited amount of mobile devices.
Parallels Access for Android and iOS is available now with a two-week trial period. Once the trial concludes, you’ll have to pay $19.99 for a one year subscription, or $34.99 for two years. However, you can get a two year subscription to Parallels Access for $29.99 until June 30. Once you download Parallels Access onto your mobile device, the app will require you to install Parallels Access Agent on you Mac or PC
We’ll follow up with a hands on for Parallels Access shortly. In the meantime, you can see Parallels Access in action below, courtesy of YouTube.
Pick up a FREE trial: Parallels 11
