AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless keep the hits rolling

In the sudden rush of handset announcements-isn’t June the traditional window for launching handsets?-AT&T Mobility plans tol bring on two new models from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
The Samsung SGH-a717 is a slim clamshell with 3G multimedia offerings priced at $150 with a two-year contract and a mail-in rebate. The vendor’s SGH-a727 is a bar-style phone, also with 3G multimedia offerings, is priced at $100 with contract and rebate.
Meanwhile, over at Verizon Wireless, the carrier is launching a carrier-branded ruggedized handset for outdoor use -the G’zOne Type S Rugged Phone-that combines military specs for durability, Bluetooth capabilities and the carrier’s multimedia, messaging and browsing capabilities. The handset, which is made by Casio, is priced at $150 with two-year contract and a rebate.