Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan

Jun.09.2025
Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
BAT Japan has launched its latest heated tobacco device, glo Hilo, in Miyagi Prefecture on June 9. The device features a 5-second preheat time and Bluetooth connectivity with the “myglo” app, allowing users to track puff count and customize session duration. It is priced at ¥3,980 (approximately $23.44).

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Product Highlights:

 

·5S preheating time: The preheating time of glo Hilo is only 5 seconds, much lower than Ploom AURA's 25 seconds.

 

·Time control for smoking cycle: The device does not restrict the number of times it can be used after a single charge. Instead, it controls the smoking cycle based on time. In standard mode, the usage time is 5 minutes and 10 seconds, while in enhanced mode it is 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

 

·Bluetooth connectivity control: Through Bluetooth connection to the "myglo" mobile application, users can view the number of times they smoke, customize smoking times, customize screen display content, device location, and lock/unlock the device.

 

·There are 8 flavor options available for sale: The Virto cigarettes being released come in a total of 8 different flavors, including 2 regular types, 3 mint types, and 3 flavored types.

 

·Limited edition shell design: The glo Hilo released a "Miyagi Prefecture limited edition shell" packaging available in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

 

【By 2Firsts】2Firsts have noticed that British American Tobacco Japan (BAT Japan) has officially released its latest heated tobacco device glo Hilo in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on June 9th. The product comes with a Miyagi Prefecture-exclusive shell, and the dedicated podvirto has also been simultaneously launched.

 

 

Preheat Time 5 Seconds to Control Smoking Cycle by Time

 

2Firsts have collected and compiled the parameter information of the glo Hilo, as detailed in the following image:

 

Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
glo Hilo parameter information|Map making: 2Firsts

 

At the end of May, Japan Tobacco (JT) launched a new heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA, and its dedicated tobacco sticks, EVO, in the Japanese market. According to 2Firsts, which compared several recently released HNB products, they found that Ploom AURA weighs 75.5g, which is similar to the weight of glo Hilo at 75g. In terms of preheating performance, Ploom AURA has the longest preheating time at 25 seconds, while glo Hilo only takes 5 seconds. FirstUnion Group's PTH MASTER claims to be "preheating-free.

 

Compared to the previous product from glo, the Hyper Pro (with a minimum preheating time of 15 seconds), the glo Hilo has significantly improved preheating speed, reducing it by three times.

 

In terms of user experience, the glo Hilo device does not limit the number of uses after a single charge, but only controls the smoking cycle based on time. The standard mode allows for a smoking time of 5 minutes and 10 seconds, while the enhanced mode allows for 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

 

Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
glo Hilo device | Image source: glo

 

It is worth noting that in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, glo Hilo has released a limited edition packaging called the "Miyagi Prefecture limited edition case.

 

 

Bluetooth Connectivity Controls 8 Different Pod Flavors

 

The Glo Hilo device is equipped with an "EasyView screen" on the side, which can display information such as remaining smoking time and battery level. In addition, there is a QR code displayed above the screen. Previously, the new pod system Vuse Ultra from the e-cigarette brand VUSE under British American Tobacco could also display a QR code on the screen, which directs users to an application specifically designed for Vuse e-cigarettes.

 

Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
glo Hilo device introduction | Image source: glo

 

It is worth noting that, like the Ploom AURA, the glo Hilo device can also be controlled via Bluetooth connection. Users can connect the device to the "myglo" dedicated mobile application through Bluetooth to achieve:

 

·View smoking frequency (daily/weekly/monthly)

·Customize smoking time (3 minutes or 4 minutes)

·Customize screen display content

·Device location function

·Application lock/unlock device function

 

In terms of flavors, the virtopod released in glo Hilo this time includes 8 different flavors: 2 regular types, 3 mint types, and 3 flavored types. The flavors are Balanced Tobacco, Dark Tobacco, Mint Click, Menthol Click, Iced Menthol Click, Melon Click, Berry Click, and Iced Berry Click.

 

Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
 virtopod | Image source: glo

 

Due to differences in heating methods, virtopod is shorter in size compared to glo hyperpod. The glo Hilo only supports virtopod and cannot be used with the existing glo hyper series pods. Similarly, virto is also not compatible with glo hyper devices.

 

 

It has been Listed in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan(at Around $23.44)

 

glo Hilo completed product testing and verification in Serbia by the end of 2024 and was launched. The product was also officially launched in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on the morning of June 9th. In terms of pricing, "glo Hilo" is priced at 3,980 yen (approximately $23.44 USD) and "virto" is priced at 580 yen per box of 20 sticks (approximately $4.02 USD). It has not been decided yet whether the products will be released nationwide in Japan.

 

In comparison, the Ploom AURA starter kit is priced at 2,980 yen (20.94 USD, tax included), while the price of EVO tobacco sticks is 550 yen (3.87 USD, tax included).

 

Product|BAT Japan Launches glo Hilo with 5-Second Heat-up Time in Japan
glo Hilo device introduction | Image source: glo

 


As a leading global NGP media and think tank, 2Firsts is committed to providing the latest product and technology information and insights to practitioners worldwide in various categories such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and modern oral products. This is in order to drive technological change and innovation in NGP products globally, thereby bringing less harmful products and lifestyles to tobacco consumers worldwide.

 

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