Industry news from around the Web.
> Microsoft is planning two high-end smartphones to keep customers and developers interested in the platform. Article
> Google is adding search and turn-by-turn directions to its mapping app that can be used when offline. Article
> Cricket Wireless will start selling ZTE Overture 2, an entry-level Android smartphone, for $50. Article
> Google will add a family-friendly section to its Play Store that will feature appropriate content. Article
Telecom News
> A Frontier Communications executive said the company will trial OTT video with TiVo as a way to appeal to users who are not interested in traditional linear television services. Article
> Alcatel-Lucent has introduced a new solution that it says will help service providers, particularly those with large PSTN networks, migrate to an all-IP network infrastructure. Article
> FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has announced a number of new proposals that he says will restructure and modernize the regulator's $1.7 billion Lifeline voice service program by redirecting funds to extend broadband to lower income residents. Article
Cable News
> As Charter's $56.7 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable this week may well prove again, acquisition proposals can take just days to assemble, but the ensuing regulatory angst can be never-ending. Article
> St. Louis-based mid-sized cable operator Suddenlink Communications has become the latest MSO to integrate Hulu into its program guide. Article
And finally …. Apple is offering a fix for users affected by an iMessage bug that causes some iPhones to crash. Article