Models pose with KT&G's new heat-not-burn product lil AIBLE and lil AIBLE Premium at a hotel in Seoul, on Nov. 9. Courtesy of KT&G

By Kim Jae-heun

Local tobacco giant KT&G has introduced its new heat-not-burn (HNB) product, lil AIBLE, which has been developed with its own technology, the company said Wednesday.

The new item's strength revolves around its capability to use three different types of tobacco sticks with one device. It also adopted the previous model's essential functions such as automatic heating, a self-cleaning system and a maximum of three consecutive uses.

It is also equipped with smart artificial intelligence (AI) technology that shows how long it takes to fully charge the product and preheat the tobacco stick as well as how many times a user can smoke with the remaining battery.

"Lil AIBLE can use three different (tobacco) sticks with one device and it adopts AI technology to enhance user's convenience. We will lead the local e-cigarette market by continuing to provide better products," Lim wang-seop, a chief of KT&G's Next Generation Product Business Headquarters, said during a press conference held at a hotel in Seoul.

Lil AIBLE comes in two types: original and premium versions. The premium model has an OLED touchscreen to make it easier for users to control diverse functions.

Users can check messages, phone notifications, the weather and calendar information on KT&G's dedicated mobile application.

The price of lil AIBLE and lil AIBLE Premium is 110,000 won ($80.59) and 200,000 won, respectively. They will be available for sale at 8,500 convenience stores in Seoul and KT&G's five flagship stores, lil MINIMALIUM, as well as its online mall, starting from Nov. 16. Customers have to verify their age before purchasing devices online.

The competition in the domestic e-cigarette market is expected to intensify next year as KT&G's main rival, Philip Morris, launched its new heat-not-burn IQOS ILUMA series last month. Philip Morris has opened the domestic market for tobacco heating products with its IQOS product.