VMware launches Fusion 8 with Windows 10 & OS X El Capitan support

VMware on Tuesday launched Fusion 8, an updated version of its virtualization tool for Mac users who want to run Windows — or other operating systems — without having to boot into the other OS.

The new software supports the finished version of Windows 10, including always-on Cortana access. Graphics support has only been updated to DirectX 10 and OpenGL 3.3 however, leaving out the new effects and performance improvements in DirectX 12.

For a boost, Fusion users can assign up to 2 gigabytes of video memory to a virtual machine. VMware is also promising optimization for Retina, 4K, and 5K displays.

Machines have full 64-bit support, and can each be assigned up to 16 vCPUs, 64 gigabytes of RAM, and 8 terabytes of storage.

The software also includes support for OS X El Capitan, not just as a base platform but for people with an earlier version of OS X wanting to test out compatibility. Users with the latest MacBooks can take advantage of technologies like USB-C and Force Touch.

Other changes include things like an improved Application Menu, easier virtual machine installation, better integration with VMware's vSphere server virtualization platform, and compatibility with new Linux distributions.

The regular edition of Fusion 8 is $80 new, or $50 as an upgrade. Fusion 8 Pro is available at prices of $200 and $120, respectively, and is required for things like linked clones, vSphere, vCloud Air, and imposed restrictions on virtual machines such as expiry dates.