Parallels Access 2.1 improves Lock’N’Go Magnifying Glass feature, supports Google+ login

Parallels IP Holdings GmbH has launched Parallels Access for iPad and iPhone 2.1 and Parallels Access for Android 2.1, a useful new update to its desktop remote control app.

Version 2.1 now allows users to sign in using their Google+ accounts, plus promises slicker drag-and-drop performance when using the Lock’N’Go magnifying glass among other improvements and the usual stability fixes.

Parallels Access, which is free to try and costs $19.95 a year for accessing up to five PCs or Macs remotely, is more suited to accessing files and desktop apps while on the go, rather than the more desktop-centric approach of products such as TeamViewer.

Version 2.1 opens by allowing users to sign in to a Parallels Desktop account using Google+ in addition to Facebook or a manually created account.

Once signed in, users can also now rename or delete connected computers directly from their mobile. To do this, tap Edit on the iPad or iPhone, or tap and hold on the computer in question in Android to reveal the option in question.

The update also promises improvements to the Lock’N’Go Magnifying Glass feature, claiming it will make drag-and-drop operations even faster than previously.

iOS users also gain the ability to mute sound from the app in favor of listening to music from another app running in the background.

Android users gain two further improvements: better screen content zooming, and the added ability to use the mobile’s microphone to remotely control compliant desktop apps.

Both platform updates are rounded off with the expected bug fixes and stability improvements.

Parallels Access for iPad and iPhone 2.1 and Parallels Access for Android 2.1 are both available now. iOS 7.0 or Android 4.0.3 or later is required. The apps work with PCs running Windows 7 or later and Macs running OS X 10.7 (Lion) or later.