Today at the 12th annual Windows� Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC), Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft Corp., announced new low pricing and updated packaging for Microsoft� Windows CE .NET version 4.2. Windows CE .NET combines the most advanced, real-time operating system with powerful tools for rapidly creating the next generation of "smart," connected and small-footprint devices. Gates introduced a new low-cost license, Windows CE .NET 4.2 Core, with an estimated retail price (ERP) of $3 (U.S.). This new low-cost offering enables device manufacturers to utilize the rich capabilities of Windows CE .NET 4.2 across the breadth of their products, including their low-cost commercial and consumer devices. In addition, Microsoft announced a new free, noncommercial distribution license for Windows CE .NET 4.2, which helps embedded partners, developers and device manufacturers share device images based on Windows CE for free or noncommercial devices, leading to greater innovation and cooperation throughout the development community.