Google Buzz - A better Twitter?

Buzz Me...This is what people might say sometime from now instead of saying Tweet Me. Google Buzz is a new app similar to Twitter. However, it extends the functionality to share photos, videos and much more.  Some features are like Facebook postings where it automatically pulls thumbnails from the links, you can like the Buzz or comments on it. It sits right inside gmail and integrates with the inbox. It also provides integration with the already existing popular sites such as Twitter, Flickr, Picasa and Google Reader. Google Buzz is also available from mobile phones. You can share your Buzz publicly or with a private group. It will also pull frequently contacted friends from gmail automatically and starts following them. 


Quite a cool app huh? But the main question here is why Twitter is so popular? and Can Google Buzz be a better Twitter? The main reason for the popularity of Twitter is its simplicity. No fancy stuff. Just write short updates. Now with Google Buzz you can do a lot. Will people consider this as a cool way of sharing stuff or a burden of loaded features? The time will tell. So far Google Buzz looks cool as it offers many cool features. And who says you need to stop using Twitter and leave your friends. Google Buzz lets you integrate with Twitter as well.


I think Google Buzz is a better Twitter. What do you say?

Three steps to pass ACE exam for Flex 3 and AIR

Yesterday I appeared for Adobe Certified Expert test for Flex 3 and AIR. Yes, I passed it. Though I could have scored better, I had to satisfy myself with 84%. 

I had given myself lot of time to prepare for this exam. I have been googling for resources to prepare for the exam. I was able to find useful information on some sites/blogs. However, most of them scared me with their experiences of the exam. People had prepared for 3-4 months but still they were not able to pass it. Whenever I felt I was ready for the exam, I remembered these sites and got scared. I had been pushing the exam date for so long because of this fear only. Finally I decided to appear for the exam. After answering about 5-10 questions I started feeling very comfortable. I completed the exam in about 30 mins and passed it comfortably. Though I was not very happy with the result, I also felt relieved that it wasn't that bad as mentioned on those blogs. 

Believe me there is nothing to worry. You can easily pass this exam by following three simple steps mentioned below. 

1. Download the exam preparation guide from adobe. This pdf lists all the topics covered in the exam.
2. Go through the Flex help of Live Docs to study about the topics mentioned in the pdf. Maintain your focus on the topics mentioned in the pdf.
3. Test your knowledge with Attest.

You are all set for the exam after following these three simple steps. Attest is really helpful. You will find similar questions asked in the actual exam as given in Attest. 
All the best.