VMware has released VMware Workstation 10, the latest version of its virtualization software. The solution showcases new features with "unmatched operating system support, rich user experience, a comprehensive feature set and high performance," according to Jason Joel, personal products, VMware. VMware Workstation 10 is designed for professionals that rely on virtual machines to get their job done.

"The launch of Workstation 10 is a significant milestone in our legacy of running virtual machines on a personal computer," Joel says. "Powered by VMware’s most advanced virtualization platform, Workstation 10 takes virtualization to the next level and continues VMware’s tradition of delivering innovative features that technical professionals rely on every day”

Key new features in VMware Workstation 10 include:

° The latest operating systems -- Easy Install now recognizes Windows 8.1 and new Linux distributions to make it easier to create current virtual machines. Computers running Windows 8.1 can be converted into virtual machines via awizard. 

° Better performance -- Workstation 10 enables virtual machines to be created with up to 16 vCPUs, 64GB of memory, 8TB disks and adds faster USB connections, a new vSATA controller and twice as many virtual networks.

° Expiring virtual machines -- Restricted virtual machines can be set to expire at a specified date and time. An expired virtual machine automatically suspends and will not restart without administrator intervention.

° Tablet sensors -- Workstation 10 includes the first virtual accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and ambient light sensor to enable applications running in a virtual machine to respond when a user juggles their tablet.

° The ability to run a cloud on Your PC – Workstation 10 lets you build a cloud on your PC running popular applications from Pivotal, Puppet Labs and Vagrant.
Pricing and availability

VMware Workstation 10 is currently available for purchase for US$249. Upgrades from VMware Workstation 8.x and 9.x are available for $119. VMware customers who have purchased VMware Workstation 9 between Aug. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2013 are eligible for a complimentary electronic upgrade to VMware Workstation 10. For more details on VMware’s complimentary electronic upgrade program visit the Workstation Upgrade page (http://tinyurl.com/plrzyaz).