The latest version of Parallels, a tool that allows users to run virtual versions of Windows on their Mac,ย has a new feature that almost seems like a joke at Apple’s expense. Aside from some performance upgrades, the most interesting part about the newย Parallelsย update is the fact that users can now run Cortana on OS X. What’s so funny about this, you ask? Well, it’s funny because Apple hasn’t even brought Siri to OS X and yet Mac users can now run Microsoft’s virtual assistant on their system.ย
Parallels, the virtual machine go-to for Macs alongside Appleโs own Boot Camp, has another annual update, bringing Windows 10 to your Mac. However, this year Parallels adds one feature previously unknown to common Mac usersโa virtual assistant.ย As far as updates go, itโs all-around better software: boots 50 percent faster, with a quarter better battery life, and speed bumps in moving files and tasks in Windows 10. But one of its coolest tricksโaside from smashing Windows and Mac into an almost seamless OSโis the inclusion of an always-on Cortana. Just like in Windows 10, a Mac equipped with Parallels 11 will be able to summon Cortana with the familiar phrase, โHey Cortana.โย However, when youโre working away like usual, Cortana hides out of sight. Neat! Add Cortana to the fact that Microsoft recently added its new Edge browser to Windows Virtual Machine and youโre getting all the neat Windows 10 goodies without having to completely abandon your fruit-branded laptop.