The MiFi just shrunk to the size of a thumb and got a microSD card NAS

Berlin-based Nova Media, best known for its OS X utilities for OEMs used by carriers like Vodafone, announced a new personal hotspot device today called “XYFI.” The thumb drive-sized device (80mm-by-23mm-by-12mm) connects to any USB port for power and allows you to insert a SIM card to share a 3G data connection with up to eight other devices. The XYFI is also completely configured through a browser, so the entire setup process can be done through an iPad or iPhone. It will also function as a regular Wi-Fi modem for your Mac and packs a microSD card slot for file sharing over the network.

Nova Media explained in its press release that the XYFI provides up to 5.76 Mbit/s upload speeds and 14.4 Mbit/s download on 3G. Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi is compatible up to up to 54 Mbit/s on 802.11 b/g networks. It also supports WPS and uses WPA, WPA2, and WEP. In the image to the right, we see the web-based interface will allow a user to hide the network SSID, create guest logins, and manage network settings.

You can buy the world’s smallest 3G Wi-Fi hotspot for 179 euros (around $234 USD) from Nova Media here.

The full press release is after the break.

The world’s smallest hotspot with integrated 3G, WiFi and hotspot connectivity

Berlin, March 12, 2012 — Berlin based nova media today unveiled XYFI, a 3G wireless router built by the Belgium company Option. The handy router offers WiFi access for up to 8 users simultaneously and supports a 3G internet connection with up to 14.4 Mbit/s download speeds.

XYFI is powered by any given USB port with at least 5V/1 Amp output power, e.g. by a smartphone power adapter or by an usb port in a car. A dedicated software or driver installation is not required to configure or use the XYFI.

“The XYFI is configured through any webbrowser. For smartphones and tablets, a customized web interface is provided.”, states Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. “In addition, the XYFI can be used as a standard 3G modem or WiFi modem for OS X and Windows computers.”

The built in 3G modem allows connections with up to 14.4 Mbit/s download and up to 5.76 Mbit/s upload speeds. The router is not SIM locked and can be used in all 3G networks with support of 900, 1900 und 2100 MHz frequencies. For GRPS and EDGE, all 850-, 900-, 1800- und 1900 MHz frequencies are supported. The WiFi part is compatible to 802.11 b/g networks with up to 54 Mbit/s.

The integrated microSD-card slot allows to share and stream data from a microSD-card. A retractable USB connector offers protection when the XYFI is not in use.

XYFI uses WPA, WPA2, WEP for security and supports WPS. The web interface can be used to set up a guest account which requires an additional password for the use of the Hotspot.

The dimensions of 80mm x 23mm x 12mm and a weighting of 30 gramm renders the XYFI the world’s smallest 3G & WiFi personal hotspot devices.