Windows 9x and 2000 to be merged in 'Whistler'

Microsoft have announced that the Windows 9X and Windows 2000 code will be merged to create a single product with two flavours: business and consumer. Whistler will inherit features from Windows ME that ease maintenance and boost productivity, while being based on the more reliable Windows 2000 kernal. Evidently the new OS will also come with a feature that allows a computer to wake instantly when you sit in front of it (sensors in your seat? Motion detectors in your monitor? The mind boggles). Whistler is expected in 12 to 18 months. Read PCWorld's story here.