Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced new pricing and updated packaging for Windows CE .Net Version 4.2, which runs in small devices.
At the companys in New Orleans, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates introduced a new license, Windows CE .Net 4.2 Core, with an estimated retail price of $3 per device.
The core includes an operating system kernel and file system, various multimedia capabilities, and a development platform. It is geared toward relatively low-cost devices such as entry-level voice-over-IP phones, CD players and digital cameras, officials said.
A Professional license, which includes additional features such as Windows Messenger, WordPad, the Remote Desktop Protocol and Internet Explorer 6, costs $15 per device. A license for a viewer that supports PowerPoint presentations and the like can be added for another couple of dollars.
In addition, Microsoft announced a free distribution license for non-commercial developers. Potential customers can try out an emulation edition of Platform Builder for Windows CE .Net at no charge except for shipping fees for 120 days. The price for a for-keeps Platform Builder is $995, but officials said customers always have the option of just renewing the 120-day license over and over again—they just want to see the devices go to market.
Windows CE .Net 4.2 licenses and tools will be available on June 1.
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