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Yota Ruby, a different kind of hot spot (pictures)

We get our hands on a prototype of a new 4G LTE hot spot that looks a little different than the usual fare.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
YotaRuby_glowBlue.jpg
1 of 7 Yota Devices

Yota Ruby, a different kind of hot spot

Yota Devices isn't well known, but the company is already making a few small ripples with original, even unusual, designs for mobile devices. Take the Yota Ruby hot spot, which I got my hands on at CTIA. LED lights glow different colors to indicate your data speed.
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2 of 7 Yota Devices

Multi-modal

If you bounce back and forth among 4G, 3G, and even 2G, you'll know by looking at the colored lights.
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3 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

E-ink display

The Ruby's e-ink display shows you a battery meter, how many devices are connected, and if you're sharing as a public network. Sliding the switch the other direction keeps it a private network only.
YotaRuby_bottom.jpg
4 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Two ways to charge

You can charge up the Ruby using the Micro-USB port.
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5 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Pop-out surprise

Or, you can flip open the USB connector to charge as a USB device.
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6 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

USB Modem mode

Plugging it into your computer also turns the Ruby into a wireless modem.
YotaRuby_SIM.jpg
7 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

SIM switcheroo

Globetrotters can swap SIM cards by country, and mutliband support means you should be able to use it almost anywhere.

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