Parallels Access Brings Mac, PC Apps to iPad

Parallels is now available for iPad, bringing Windows and Mac apps to Apple's tablet.

Parallels pushed the app as a way to boost productivity, given that many people now use mobile devices like the iPad for work.

"We are now in an always-on age where people are increasingly demanding access to their applications and data regardless of physical location," Birger Steen, CEO of Parallels, said in a statement. "With Parallels Access, you can tap, swipe and pinch your way around Mac and Windows applications to ultimately be more productive at work, and lead a more connected life."

The Parallels Access app is a free download in the App Store, but an annual subscription requires an in-app purchase of $79.99 for each computer being accessed. The Mac option provides a 14-day free trial, but the PC version is still in beta and available for free for a limited time, so check it out.

"If a Mac user also runs Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac, then Parallels Access will also 'applify' all of its Windows virtual machines and apps so they work like they were made for iPad," Parallels said.

Features within Parallels Access include an app launcher that starts any desktop app as if it were made for an iPad, an app switcher, native select and drag as well as copy and paste for iPad, SmartTap and magnification within desktop apps, iPad native scroll for desktop apps, desktop keyboard for iPad with Windows and Command keys, full screen for desktop apps, and access even in low bandwidth situations.

Parallels Access will run on iPad 2, iPad 3 or iPad mini and a Mac running OS X (Mountain Lion 10.8, Lion 10.7 or the upcoming Mavericks 10.9) or a PC running Windows 7 or Windows 8.

For more, check out PCMag's review of Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac.