Web Buzz: Know What app digs deep into L.A., San Francisco

Local authors help unlock the secrets of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Name: Know What

Available for: iPhone, iPad

What it does: This app curates hyper-local city guide information from people who “know what” they’re talking about. Locals — who are also authors, journalists and well-known bloggers — reveal their city’s possibilities based on their favorites.

Cost: Starts at $2.99

What’s hot: Go straight to the themes (Arts & Culture, Food, Kids & Family, Nature & Outdoors, etc.) or authors that are important to you. Get “On the Trail of the Black Dahlia” from expert tour guide Esotouric, or “The Best Veg Good in the Bay Area as Picked by Genius Experts” from popular vegan lifestyle blogger Vegansaurus. I was hungry to download “San Francisco’s Top 30 Taquerias.” Like this app? New York, Chicago, Boston, Seattle and Portland, Ore., will be added this year.

What’s not: In-app purchases are a big turnoff. Why charge $2.99 upfront if it’s going to cost an additional 99 cents to $3.99 for each guide within? Just break the cost down per city, and charge us for that. I’d rather pay $6.99 for a city guide than $2.99 three times.

Worth it: Yes and no. You’re getting top-notch content in a gorgeous format with easy-to use-directions, but tapping into all the articles could put a dent in your wallet. Browse topics before you get too excited.

— Jen Leo