Parallels Gives iOS and Android App Access to Windows and OS X Programs

Parallels has released an app that allows users with their Android and iOS devices to access programs and files installed on their Windows or OS X system. Until now, the app was only available for iPad.

Parallels Access automatically adapts the interface of Windows and OS X programs to the screen of the mobile device. Both the Android and iOS version have standard functions that work as with iOS, for example in terms of zooming in and cutting and pasting. On Android devices, users can place links to programs from their Windows or OS X system on their mobile device’s home screen. iOS users have access to a special launcher on their devices in which all programs can be found. The file browser on iOS is similar to the Spotlight app in OS X.

In addition to the ability to zoom like a standard iOS device, Access 2.0 uses SmartTap, which estimates which interface elements the user was likely to click. This should compensate for the fact that much desktop software is not optimized for use with touchscreens. To access the programs installed on Windows or OS X, the desktops or laptops cannot be in sleep mode, but Parallels Access 2.0 provides the ability to wake the systems remotely; however, according to the company, this function does not yet work optimally.

Parallels Access 2.0 allows a user to connect to up to five computers simultaneously via an unlimited number of iOS and Android devices. Currently, interested parties can subscribe to the app for $19.99 per year or $29.99 for two years.