APIs.io relaunched, Leonardo.ai $31M, Data Theorem Attack Path
The API Changelog issue 2023.50
This is issue 2023.50 of the API Changelog, a mix of API news, commentary, and opinion. In this issue, you'll get to know the most relevant API-related information from the week of December 4, 2023. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
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Announcements
APIs.io, the first API search engine, was relaunched to empower discovery by using APIs.json to index and manage API operations and metadata. It offers a suite of APIs and modular web tools for improved API discovery, relying on community feedback to drive its open-source evolution.
Hookdeck has evolved from a webhook management tool into an Event Gateway platform, integrating APIs for streamlined, asynchronous event communication. Their API-driven platform now offers features like rate limiting and event observability.
Google has decommissioned its Search Console Mobile Usability report, the Mobile-Friendly Test tool, and the associated API, directing users to alternative resources like Lighthouse for mobile usability evaluations.
Authkey launched a free WhatsApp Business API for startups, aiming to enhance customer engagement and communication. Datagen Internet Service Pvt. Ltd. hosts this innovative API solution.
Stytch launched a versatile API-centric passkey authentication service, simplifying developer integration across platforms while ensuring security.
QuantGate integrates Coinbase Exchange API into its AI-driven Pilot Trading platform to enhance crypto trading for users.
Curb's new API, Curb Flow, consolidates multiple ride demands, boosting drivers' earnings and improving ride availability.
ngrok introduces JavaScript and Python SDKs, simplifying app delivery via an API-defined ingress layer for developers. These SDKs eliminate the dependency on external infrastructure like load balancers, enhancing app portability and security.
Funding
AssemblyAI's API platform was backed by a recent $50 million funding round. Despite market challenges, companies leverage APIs like AssemblyAI to adopt generative AI without the complexities of model development.
Leonardo.Ai, an AI startup from Sydney, secured $31 million for its art-generating API, supported by Blackbird and Samsung Next, among others. See additional coverage on Medium.
African fintech Bujeti, with an API for card issuance, has secured $2 million in seed capital to enhance spend management for businesses.
AI
Google DeepMind unveils its AI chatbot family Gemini, challenging OpenAI's GPT with API access for developers starting Dec. 13. Gemini Ultra outshines GPT-4 in various tasks and will integrate into services, expanding Google's AI capabilities. See additional coverage on Wired, Windows Central, The IndianExpress, Forbes, and Aixos.
Nexusflow unveils NexusRaven-V2, a genAI model with API calling for cybersecurity, surpassing OpenAI's GPT-4 by 7% in tool use success. They offer complete model ownership and data control to enterprises, challenging proprietary API solutions.
NVIDIA launched a cloud-based API service to boost AI development in medical imaging, streamlining the creation of AI models. The MONAI cloud APIs, built on an open-source project, allow seamless AI integration for enhanced medical imaging solutions.
ZentrumHub is an AI-powered hotel booking platform that provides an end-to-end experience for users. Zentrum Connect allows travel agencies to access multiple suppliers, global distribution systems, and channel managers through an API.
Fintech
Qwist’s finX API offers stable, secure, and regulatory-compliant financial services, enhancing data connectivity and insights. It includes data retrieval, verification, and payment protocols, with guides for Open Banking integration.
GFT partners with Engine by Starling to integrate APIs, enabling the rapid launch of digital banks with their global experience. See additional coverage on Finextra and Cision PR Newswire.
Qonto, a European business finance solution, has chosen Fourthline to verify customer compliance during onboarding in France, Spain, and Italy. Through a single API, Qonto will have access to Fourthline's solutions for identity document examination, electronic signature authentication, biometric data analysis, and OCR model for potential manipulation detection.
Security
Lasso Security researchers uncovered over 1,500 exposed API tokens on Hugging Face, potentially affecting major tech organizations like Meta and Google, by granting unauthorized access to crucial AI projects and data. See additional coverage on cybernews, SC Media, DarkReading, TechTarget, Xsolla, and Security Boulevard.
Wallarm's quarterly report, analyzing API-related security threats for fintechs from public sources, highlights the prevalence of API injections, and authentication flaws, and exposes the inherent risks associated with open banking APIs.
Data Theorem launched the first API attack path visualization tool for better protecting APIs and software supply chains. The tool aims to provide clearer insights into security against potential API-related threats. See additional coverage on The Fast Mode, Yahoo!finance, HelpNet Security, and businesswire.
Lightstone leverages the Salt Security API Protection Platform to bolster security across its expansive API ecosystem. See additional coverage on Yahoo!finance and Indo-Asian News Service.