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Parallels Access for iPad Treats Remote Windows and Mac Applications as Native iPad Apps

Parallels has introduced Parallels Access for iPad, which lets users remotely access their Windows and Mac applications from an iPad and use them as if they were native iPad apps.

There are two pieces to the Parallels Access puzzle: the Parallels Access iPad app and a Mac Agent or PC Agent that is installed on the computer that people want to access through the iPad. Once those two pieces are in place, users can launch their computer applications through their iPad and use native iPad gestures, such as tap, swipe, and pinch, even in applications that aren't optimized for the iPad, such as Microsoft Word.

Key features of Parallels Access include:

  • App Launcher to start any Windows or Mac desktop application as if it were an iPad app;
  • App Switcher to enable tapping to switch between apps;
  • iPad native select and drag to select words and graphics by tapping with one finger and then dragging and dropping;
  • iPad native copy and paste to select and copy from a desktop app and paste it anywhere, including between iPad apps and from desktop to desktop;
  • SmartTap and magnifying glass to zoom in on portions of a desktop app for precision tapping;
  • iPad native scroll for desktop applications;
  • Desktop keyboard on the iPad that appears when needed and includes Windows and Command keys;
  • Full screen mode for desktop applications to maximize iPad screen real estate; and
  • Support for low-bandwidth connections.

Parallels Access is currently available for iPad only, but support for other mobile devices is in development. The iPad app is available through the Apple App Store at a cost of $79.99 for each computer being accessed. Once users create their account on the Parallels site, they can download the Mac Agent or PC Agent from their My Account page and install it on their computer.

Further information about Parallels Access for iPad is available on the Parallels site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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