introduces new bluetooth-related features.

Still, I'd wager 3.0 was called "major upgrade" in Mar, because there would be nothing bigger in Jun.
WWDC would then possibly be delayed (till Aug?) and would announce "2,1" h/w.

My first reaction is that they are paving the way for a new stereo bluetooth headset in light of the 3.0 announcement. But that doesn't necessarily make sense to only have one or the other. Maybe an updated model is on the way.

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

My first thought was that it just wasn't selling well enough. I prefer my Jawbone earpiece for quality and longevity. I just wish they had an in-ear phone, instead of the ear bud they use, though it's not nearly as uncomfortable as Apple's design.

After reading yours and ivan.rnn01's posts I wonder if they will release a new model with buttons so you can do voice dialing from the headset. This would certainly make me consider buying Apple's BT headset --assuming my current one was lost, stolen or broken-- if they were the only one to offer this feature.

There will most likely be a new iPhone release in June (not Aug), simply because that's when the first iPhone buyer's two-year contracts are up. These people (who chose not to upgrade to 3G last year), are going to need a newer iPhone than the 3G.

I suspect Apple no longer sees any point in selling a Bluetooth earpiece/mic. They don't run OS X or any variant, it's hard to truly differentiate it from all of the others, and they aren't in that business anyway.

Apple gave up selling their own printers long ago and I see Bluetooth devices as a similar situation.

I agree. I have spent a decent amount of time in Japan the last two years and NOT ONCE did I see a bluetooth headset for a keitai (cell phone). Texting / email is much more common on phones in Japan, but no matter the reason it is wonderful to see people without those incredibly annoying things stuck in their ears all day long. IMO these things are the height of hubris, unless they are used when driving.

Add this to the mix that the headset ROYALLY Sucked!!!! I went through eight replacements and non of them them could keep a connection longer than 5 feet away. I even had one break connection while the phone was in my hand. In every other category the headset was a freakin marvel but it would not stay connected. I have no sympathy that it failed miserably. They should have taken it off the shelves a lot sooner. Currently use the Jawbone 2.0 and it works great. Almost annoyingly so when I am in the bottom of my yard and my headset is upstairs in my office and my audio goes to my headset. Beat that Apple!

The original iPhone was sold without any contract requirement - of course if you were not already an AT&T customer then you likely got some sort of contract when you switched.

I recently replaced a failed Motorola bluetooth headset with a Plantronics 520 (or some such) for about $50. The Apple device did not appeal to me due to the design - I rarely if ever use the ear buds that came with either my iPod or my iPhone since they do not stay in my ears - keep falling out. I have BOSE noise canceling headphone for use with the iPod on airplanes - FM transmitter for iPod in one car - Aux port on radio in the other car for iPod with built in Bluetooth for iPhone in that car. Actually went without any bluetooth for a few months until I found the deal on the plantronics - it gets annoying when going from home office to car to other location and back again on a con call without some sort of headset/bluetooth.

As for "hubris" mentioned in one of the posts - I do not consider using a bluetooth earpiece to be a "look at me and how important I am" kind of thing - but something more along the lines of either "look at me I am tied to my work even when not at my desk - wish I had some free time to just enjoy life" or mostly just for safety reasons - much harder to perform necessary tasks such as operating a motor vehicle with on arm stuck to the side of your head if you do not have a headset. So it is a double edge sword type of deal - it is nice that I have the flexibility to not be tied to my desk all day - but then I have to be available when the customers call.

Time will tell. I have strong impression, they'd be given no more than 3G + OS 3.0 in Jun.