Alphabet’s Earnings Soar, Asus Launches Zenfone Ultra, and More Key Highlights

Alphabet's Earnings Soar, Asus Launches Zenfone Ultra, and More Key Highlights

Alphabet’s Earnings Soar, Asus Launches Zenfone Ultra, and More Key Highlights


# **This Week in Tech: Key Developments and Breakthroughs**

Welcome to this week’s issue of **Tech News Weekly**, where we provide a succinct summary of the most important advancements in technology. From significant corporate earnings releases to innovative smartphone introductions and AI progress, here’s a look at what made waves in the tech sector this week.

## **Alphabet Reports Impressive Q4 Earnings with AI in the Spotlight**

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, disclosed its **Q4 2024 earnings**, showcasing a **12% increase in revenue year-over-year**, totaling **$96.47 billion** for the quarter. The total revenue for 2024 reached **$350 billion**, indicating a **14% growth** from the year prior.

– **Google Services** revenue experienced a **10% rise to $84.1 billion**, fueled by robust performance in **Google Search and YouTube advertisements**.
– CEO **Sundar Pichai** highlighted **AI’s significance** in the company’s achievements, asserting that Alphabet is “developing, testing, and releasing products and models quicker than ever.”
– The company’s AI sector, featuring **DeepSeek**, is gaining traction, establishing Alphabet as a frontrunner in the AI arena.

🔗 **[Read more](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/alphabet-q4-2024-earnings)**

## **ASUS Launches Zenfone 12 Ultra Featuring AI Capabilities**

ASUS has unveiled its new flagship, the **Zenfone 12 Ultra**, featuring a **luxurious design, high-end specifications, and AI-enhanced functionalities**.

### **Main Features:**
– **6.78-inch FHD+ display** with a **120Hz refresh rate** (144Hz for gaming).
– **Triple-camera arrangement**: **50MP Sony Lytia 500 main sensor**, **13MP ultrawide**, and **32MP telephoto with OIS**.
– **Snapdragon 8 Elite processor**, the same chipset found in the **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra**.
– AI-enhanced features such as **AI Tracking for videos**, **AI Portrait Video 2.0**, and **AI Voice Clarity**.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra is priced at **€1,099 (~$1,143)** and is available in **Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe**.

🔗 **[Read more](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-launch-details)**

## **Nothing Hints at Phone 3a Featuring Possible Camera Button**

Nothing is generating excitement for its forthcoming **Phone 3a**, slated for launch on **March 4**. A teaser image from the company insinuates a **physical camera button**, reminiscent of the **iPhone 16 Pro’s Action Button**.

– The slogan **”Your second memory, one click away”** suggests a **dedicated camera button** for swift access to photography.
– If verified, the **Phone 3a** could potentially be the **first Android device** equipped with such a button, enabling users to **navigate camera modes and take photos more intuitively**.

🔗 **[Read more](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/nothing-phone-3a-camera-button-official-teaser)**

## **Huawei Enters the Trifold Smartphone Arena**

Huawei is making headlines with its **Mate XT Ultimate Design**, noted as the **world’s first multi-fold smartphone**.

### **Main Features:**
– **10.2-inch tablet-like display** when fully opened.
– **Three distinct modes**:
– **6.4-inch phone mode** (single screen).
– **7.9-inch hybrid mode** (partially folded).
– **Full 10.2-inch unfolded mode**.
– **3K resolution** boasting a **16:11 aspect ratio**.

Huawei has hinted at an **international launch**, stoking speculation that the **Mate XT** could soon debut outside of China.

🔗 **[Read more](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/huawei-innovative-product-teaser-mate-xt-overseas-speculation)**

## **Meta Redirects Attention to AI Wearables Amid Metaverse Challenges**

Meta’s **Reality Labs** division faces hurdles, incurring **$5 billion in losses** last quarter. Nevertheless, the company is steadfast in its commitment to the **Metaverse and AI-infused wearables**.

– **Andrew Bosworth**, Meta’s CTO, referred to **2025 as a “make-or-break” year** for the Metaverse.
– **Mark Rabkin**, VP of VR/MR, **resigned**, citing personal motivations. **Ryan Cairns** will assume the role in March.
– Meta is **pouring investments into AI-powered wearables**, marking a pivot from **VR headsets to AI-fueled hardware**.

🔗 **[Read more](https://www)