Delayed BeatsX earphones will finally be available Feb. 10

Watch this: BeatsX may be the company's best new wireless headphones

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Over the last several months, I've received dozens of messages from CNET readers asking me when Beats by Dr. Dre's delayed BeatsX headphone ($150, £130, AU$200) would be available. I have a definitive answer now: Feb. 10, 2017.

Yes, the highly anticipated neckband-style wireless headphone will be in Apple's retail stores globally, from Apple.com and in authorized resellers, in white and black. Beats also announced the addition of two new colors, gray and blue, which are coming soon.

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Beats had updated its on-ear Beats Solo3 Wireless and Beats Powersbeats3 wireless sports headphones with Apple's new custom Bluetooth chip, the W1, which is more energy-efficient and boosts battery life significantly. The $150 BeatsX, however, is a totally new model that was designed with the help of Apple engineers (reminder: Beats is owned by Apple).

CNET is one of the few publications to have gotten an early look -- and listen -- to the BeatsX. I was impressed with the new headphone and thought it could be a slightly cheaper, better alternative to Apple's AirPods. It does sound better, with substantially more bass response.

I should have a review sample soon and will post a full review as soon as I put it through its paces. In the meantime, you can read our full BeatsX hands-on preview here.

Close up with the wireless BeatsX Earphones

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