microsoft zune

Ever since Microsoft announced the Zune HD in May, details have been coming in spits and starts. Now that its release feels immanent, the rumors are flying. Today, we got one more piece of the puzzle in the form of a spy-shotted release date.

Snaps of the Zune HD’s packaging and pre-order signage reveal a release (or “pick up”) date of September 15. Microsoft reps have neither confirmed the date nor any pricing (Updated).

Until it went on sale last November, Microsoft's Zune was heralded as the first true iPod-killer. But with its overly aggressive copyright protection and the odd, self-imposed limits to its most innovative features (like built-in Wi-Fi), it has so far failed to make even a dent in the iPod's shiny white-and-chrome armor. It's likely the Zune will improve with version 2.0 and beyond, but until then, here are three easy Zune tune-ups to ease the pain of waiting for a better model.