User Rating:
Good: The competitively priced Kyocera Event has great call quality and its 3.2-megapixel camera takes decent photos.
Bad: The Event's touch-screen interface isn't very accurate, and its 3G data speeds are inconsistent.
Bottom Line: Though you won't get blazing data or processing speeds on the Kyocera Event, as an affordable smartphone it's an excellent choice. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Alcatel Authority has a sturdy design and offers basic Android capabilities plus Muve Music downloads.
Bad: The Alcatel Authority runs the old Android Gingerbread operating system and has a slow processor.
Bottom Line: While the Alcatel Authority can serve as a first foray into Android, there are better basic smartphone deals to be found on Cricket. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Sony MEX-GS600BT Bluetooth audio receiver rolls hands-free calling and a full array of digital audio sources into one low-profile box in your dashboard. App Remote allows users to quickly jump between listening to on-receiver sources and on-smartphone apps at the touch of a button.
Bad: The multiple level-deep menu can be difficult to interact with on the single-line display. App Remote still requires that drivers touch their smartphones to interact with selected apps.
Bottom Line: The Sony MEX-GS600BT's App Remote function is not very useful without a dashboard mount for your phone, but everything else about this full-featured car stereo makes it easily recommendable. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Google Keep is dead-simple, has a clean interface, and conveniently syncs to Google Drive. Home screen widget and voice-to-text transcriptions are convenient.
Bad: This app is already in dire need of an update, thanks to a lack of formatting features, a wonky toolbar, and a photo tool that doesn't let you access your Gallery. Also, a voice note recorder would be nice.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an app that is essentially a digital pad of colored sticky notes for grocery lists and quick reminders, then Google Keep is perfect. Otherwise, look elsewhere or wait until this newborn gets upgraded with more powers. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Apple's GarageBand makes it easy to create music using smart instruments that even someone with no musical experience can use, while advanced musicians will find plenty to work with as well.
Bad: The only thing bad about GarageBand at this price is that it's a bit tricky at first, but with some practice, just about anyone can get the hang of it.
Bottom Line: GarageBand is the best app for music creation on a touch screen. With real-world instruments, true-to-life sounds, and tons of easy-to-use tools, there is simply no other app in its class for iOS. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Drift HD Ghost packs in all the features competitors charge extra for, like a built-in LCD and Wi-Fi; it's waterproof without requiring a housing; a wireless remote is included; it has a mic jack for an external mic; its battery life is very good, and the battery is removable.
Bad: The camera menu system, while easy to understand, can be a pain to navigate; video is very good, but is not without issues; and, as with many cameras, you'll have to supply your own microSDHC card for storage.
Bottom Line: With Wi-Fi, an LCD, and a waterproof body, as well as some nice accessories, the Drift HD Ghost uses its features to beat back the action cam competition. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Over lets you add great-looking typography to your photos to create unique-looking projects you can share across most popular social networks.
Bad: The interface can get a little confusing, with convoluted processes for seemingly easy actions. Switching orientation makes you lose your formatting.
Bottom Line: If you want to add good-looking text to your photos, Over is a great tool for the job. The interface is confusing initially, but once you get the hang of it, the ability to add typography to your photos is worth the work. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Podcasts for iOS is much more functional after a recent update. A simplified UI and playlist controls bring it closer to a full-featured podcast app.
Bad: You can add and listen only to podcasts that are already on the iTunes Store. If you want third-party podcasts, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Bottom Line: Apple's solution is not the best app for listening to your favorite podcasts, but a few feature tweaks and the addition of playlists bring it closer to being a viable option for listening to your favorite podcasts from the iTunes Store. [Read more]