The much-anticipated launch of BeatsX could be occurring soon, according to some behind-the-scenes movement happening on Apple.com where the earphones are now listed as "Available Today" in two stores in Manhattan: West 14th Street and the Upper East Side. At the time of writing, customers can't order or add BeatsX to their bag, however, so it's still unclear when exactly the earphones will be up for purchase.
Adding to the evidence of an imminent launch is Best Buy, which has quietly updated its website with a "Check Stores" button, as noted by one Redditor. The button still presents users with an out of stock warning, but the backend movement to prepare for the arrival of the BeatsX suggests a launch soon, and Apple's website has included a "Coming February" release date since December.
According to French reseller Fnac, BeatsX will be available to purchase February 10, and Fry's Electronics has the earphones listed with a February 20 launch date. Looking at reseller websites typically isn't the most reliable source of predicting accessory launches -- Fnac said the AirPods would launch November 30, while Fry's previously said the BeatsX would arrive January 23.
Update: New Apple retail stores across the east coast have gained BeatsX stock, and some have quickly gone back to listing the earphones as "Currently Unavailable." It's still unclear exactly what's going on or when BeatsX will launch online, but iStockNow has a BeatsX activity tracker for those interested in following new developments.
Update 2: iStockNow appears to having trouble tracking BeatsX availability at the moment, but a handful of stores along the U.S. East Coast continue to show availability on Apple's site. Online orders, including Personal Pickup at stores where there is availability, remain unavailable.
Update 3: Some users are reporting Apple has removed the availability checker from its site, simply stating "Apple Store Pickup is currently unavailable." iStockNow tells us they are continuing to check Apple's site but have added a filter to not trigger alerts unless the headphones are also available to order for delivery or pickup.
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http://www.howtogeek.com/57481/how-to-make-custom-silicone-ear-molds-for-your-in-ear-monitors/
The earphone mold ('http://a.co/13wKzNo') is between $10-$15 on Amazon ('http://a.co/13wKzNo').
Though I've modified the advice from the article a bit and have some additional tips:
* I only use a little bit instead of covering the entire ear. The article is for in ear monitors vice custom ear tips which is what we are more interested in.
* I don't suggest pushing the earphone into the mold unprotected. Either wrap the earphone in plastic wrap or cover any openings with tape. Alternatively, wrap the mold around the earphone. On my first pair, the mold material pushed its way into the driver opening and blocked the sound. I was able to get it out but at the expense of removing and ruining the wire mesh protecting the driver opening.
* Before applying and mixing the mold, use the material from one of the mold mixture to test how you are going to apply the mold and how much you need for your ear.
Here is a pic of what I did for my AirPods: