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The RC1 release includes a number of improvements on the previous beta, notably bug fixes for the Unity component, which support features such as drag and drop and launching Windows applications on the fly or from the Dock, and improved integration with Mac OS X-style shortcuts such as Command-Tab, Expose and keyboard shortcuts.

It also provides "experimental" support for running virtual machines within the forthcoming OS X 10.5 Leopard and "experimental" 3D support for MacBooks 'and Mac Minis' Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics cards. Fusion's 3D graphics support lets users to run DirectX 8.1 applications and play select DirectX 8.1 games from within Windows XP virtual machines.

"VMware Fusion enables Mac

Apple CEO Steve Jobs identified Fusion, as well as Parallels' Desktop for Mac as reasons why his company has not developed virtualisation software of its own. Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations, added that Fusion will encourage more people to switch to a Mac.

"Everyone who tries Mac OS X loves its reliability, security and ease-of-use combined with the blazing speed of our Intel-based Macs," Okamoto said. "We're thrilled that VMware will be releasing its proven virtualisation software that makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering the Mac."

The finished version of Fusion is scheduled to be released at the end of August for $79.99. Release Candidate 1 can be downloaded from vmware.com/products/desktop/fusion.html.