AT&T’s Unix System Laboratories has announced a new version of its Open Look graphical user interface, together with a new release of its XWin windowing system and System Strategies Ltd’s Alex developers tool for converting character-based applications to run under Open Look. Open Look and XWin are offered together as Graphics Service version 4. Unlike the rival Motif offering from the Open Software Foundation – the latest version of which is incompatible with previous releases, – AT&T is quick to point out that Open Look 4 is fully compatible with applications developed with earlier versions of its interface. Enhancements in version 4 include the ability to use single keys to customise the mouse, screen navigation and colour selections. Source-code licence fees for Graphics Services version 4 start at $20,000. Separately, XWin is $20,000 and Open Look is $1,000. Upgrades are avaialble to existing users at a 50% discount. Alex 1.0 for Open Look 2.0 under Unix V 3.2 will be out on January 15 with a $20,000 source-tag – an Open Look 4 version will be out later in the same quarter, Unix Labs says.
