Parallels' Windows enhancement tools save time, effort

Source: Parallels. Parallels Toolbox for Windows is a great sidekick for Windows users.

Parallels, a global leader in cross-platform solutions and creator of software for running Windows applications on a Mac, has launched Parallels Toolbox for Windows to streamline common computing tasks.

“Parallels Toolbox for Mac received an outstanding response after its initial launch last August, so we decided to bring these time-saving benefits to Windows users,” said Jack Zubarev, Parallels President. “Now, whether you use a PC or Mac, you can simply and quickly get tasks done on either platform.”

Parallels Toolbox for Windows is a go-to resource for accomplishing daily tasks, at a lower price than a single utility from competitors. Tools that save time and effort include the ability to easily download and convert YouTube videos, take specialised screenshots, block the computer’s built-in camera and record a video of your screen.

Some of these functionalities may be available in Windows but relatively inaccessible, or they may not be available at all. Users would typically have to buy a third party app to provide a single function, whereas Parallels Toolbox for Windows includes a wide range of utilities for an affordable yearly subscription.

Capabilities in Parallels Toolbox for Windows include:

• Archive: Create compressed archives from your files to save space or easily share files

• Block camera: Block the built-in camera so applications will no longer have access to it

• Capture area: Take a screenshot of a part of the screen

• Capture screen: Take a screenshot of the entire screen and save in different formats (PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF and GIF)

• Capture window: Take a screenshot of a single window

• Convert video: Convert many video types to MP4 so they can be played on phones and tablets

• Do not disturb: Disable notifications and animations that would interrupt your work or presentation

• Do not sleep: Prevent the computer from going to sleep

• Download video: Download video from the Internet to the computer

• Eject volumes: Eject all external hard drives, memory cards, network volumes and mounted disk images with one click

• Hide desktop: Hide icons on the desktop for clutter-free presentations

• Lock screen: Lock the screen to prevent unauthorised access

• Launch: Open several items—such as applications, folders, links or other files—all at once with just one click

• Mute microphone: Mute the computer’s microphone

• Record area: Record video from a selected area on the screen

• Record audio: Record audio from the microphone

• Record screen: Record video of the entire screen

• Record window: Record video from a single window

• Take photo: Take photos immediately using the PC’s camera

• Take video: Immediately use the computer camera to take video with the click of a button

• Unarchive: Unpack various file compression formats—such as RAR, RPM, XAR, and Z—to obtain usable files

Interested?

Free trials of Parallels Toolbox for Windows 1.0, as well as Parallels Toolbox for Mac 1.7, are available online. Each version is available for US$9.99 per year, and includes free future updates with additional tools as they are added.

Singtel commits to service enhancements, offers Better Thursdays

Source: Singtel. The
new logo at
Singtel headquarters
in Singapore.

Singtel today launched a new brand identity, its first in 16 years, with the promise "Let’s make everyday better". This reflects a new phase in Singtel’s transformation journey to grow beyond traditional telecommunications into multimedia and ICT services, the company said.

Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong, said: “Generations in Singapore have grown up with Singtel. Customers see us as a trusted, reliable brand that is at the forefront of technology. In this digital age, we recognise that customers also want things simpler, faster and delivered by people who truly care.

“To thrive and stay relevant, we will build on our customers’ trust in us and respond to their changing needs. Our commitment is to make everyday better with distinctive products and services, and delivered with a customer-centric attitude.”

Singtel will continue to strengthen its network reliability and speed and launch new products. It plans to reshape the customer experience with a series of new service promises, including shorter waiting times and distinct recognition of customer loyalty.

Concrete measures include:

(A) Appointment booking at Singtel shops

Effective today, customers can make an appointment booking for all Singtel shops via MyAccount.

In the past, customers take a Q ticket when they visit the Singtel shop. They can opt for an SMS alert about when they will be served. With the new service enhancement, customers can decide on and lock in the time of their visit via My Account instead. Customers can make a booking at least six hours before their intended time of visit, subject to availability, or up to three days (mobile services) / 30 days (non-mobile services) in advance. The service will be rolled out to the mysingtel app in February 2015.

(B) Preferred customer care call-back time

Effective March, customers with outstanding or new queries can dial 1688 to book a time for a Singtel customer care agent to contact them.

Previously customers had to wait on the phone to speak to a customer care agent. The customer might not be available if an agent follows up with a call back to the customer. The scheduled calls back minimise the waiting time on the phone for customers. This also reduces the chances of missed calls between the customer and the customer care agent.


Half-hour slots are available for the follow-up calls from 9a to 11am and 2pm to 4pm. The service will be rolled out to My Account (online) and to the mysingtel app after the IVR rollout is complete.

C) Home/office appointments: tightened window of waiting time

From April, the Singtel installation team will arrive within a 30-minute window period for home and office appointments.

Technicians could arrive anytime within a two-hour window period in the past when customers made an appointment for installation works at their residence or office.

Shrinking the waiting window frees up customers’ time to attend to other matters.


To thank loyal customers for their support, Singtel is launching a weekly treat, Better Thursdays with Singtel. As a start, postpaid mobile customers will enjoy free outgoing local calls all-day on 22 January 2015. 

1. 22 January: Free local calls all day for postpaid mobile customers
2. 29 January: Free SMSes all day for postpaid mobile customers
3. 5 February: Free 30-day preview of new SingtelTV channels for SingtelTV subscribers
4. 12 February: Free Facebook access all day for prepaid mobile users
5. 19 February, the first day of Chinese new year: Free data all day for postpaid mobile customers