VMware has announced the release of Fusion 1.1.2, an update to their virtualization software for Intel-based Macs. It's a free update for registered users. Fusion costs US$79.99.

Using features built into the Intel microprocessors that power newer Macintosh computers, VMware's Fusion enables those systems to run operating systems other than Mac OS X at the same time. You can install Windows, Linux, and other environments as "virtual machines," so you can access software you can't run on the Mac.

The 1.1.2 update enhances support for Apple's MacBook Air laptop and also enables the backup of virtual machines using Time Machine, Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard's integrated backup system. Support has been added for Windows XP SP3 Boot Camp partitions, and Simplified Chinese language support is now available.

Other highlights and fixes in this release include proper disconnection of USB devices connected to the virtual machine when shut down; correction of a problem with wireless bridged networking not being able to obtain an IP address from the DHCP server; a fix for the Apple Aluminum Keyboard; fixes to sound problems that would cause the default speaker to work only; remapped keyboard shortcuts; and correction of a "Signal 10" error.