Computer Reseller News(UK) May 12, 2003 By Robert Jaques. Bill Gates cut the price of Microsoft's Windows CE .Net 4.2 mobile operating system last week. The company's chief software architect introduced a licensing model for OEMs, dubbed Windows CE .Net 4.2 Core, to provide developers of mobile devices incorporating Microsoft's real-time platform with the operating system code for an estimated retail price of $3. Microsoft said the Windows CE .Net 4.2 Core licence is targeted at developers of low-cost devices such as gateways, entry-level voice over IP phones, industrial automation equipment and consumer electronic devices. In addition, the Redmond giant unveiled a free, non-commercial distribution licence for Windows CE .Net 4.2, aimed at partners developers and device manufacturers. John Taylor, marketing manager at Microsoft reseller Trustmarque, said the growth of mobile devices running the CE platform was "trickling upwards". He said: "The functionality of the new smartphones is almost the same as PDAs. It is hard to know which to go for. There are so many converging technologies, but it shows Microsoft is serious about the mobile market." Speaking at the 12th annual Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in New Orleans, Gates said: "Smart, connected devices are playing a significant role in everyday life and are a key part of our Digital Decade vision."