Google Smart Home APIs, Recall.ai $10M, Traceable AI Security
The API Changelog issue 2024.21
This is issue 2024.21 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 May 13, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
Highlight of the week
After the I/O 2024 keynote focused on Gemini and AI, Google shifted attention to expanding smart home capabilities with new developer APIs.
This allows anyone to create their own home automation system using the API keys of Google Homes. Developers can access over 600 million devices connected to Google Home and use the automation engine to create multiple smart home automations across numerous devices. The APIs can be used to access any smart home devices and Google devices, and the automation can be made on the Google Home application for both Android and iOS. Some of the first partners to use the API keys include ADT and Eve, a smart home appliance manufacturer. Pixel devices will also benefit from the API keys, allowing them to follow night automation, lower screen brightness, dim connected lights, and lock doors. Google has already released the APIs to early-access partners, and the waitlist form for other developers is now open. See additional and related coverage on SD Times, Gigazine, Android Headlines, 9TO5Google, ZDNet, engadget, and The Verge.
Also at Google I/O 2024, Google has enhanced its Maps Platform with new Gemini AI capabilities, enabling developers to integrate generative summaries of places into their applications. Google introduced Gemini 1.5 Flash, a quicker, more cost-efficient AI model, alongside 1.5 Pro's expanded token window. Gemini family updates, next-gen Gemma 2, and Project Astra advancements signify Google's AI development progress. See additional coverage on CoinGape. Finally, Google introduced a developer competition with celebrity promotion. Winners of the Gemini API Developer Competition will receive various prizes, including an electric DeLorean and cash awards in multiple categories. See additional coverage on WinBuzzer and Google for Developers.
This issue of the API Changelog was crafted with the help of Flotiq.
Flotiq is an intuitive content management system for designing OpenAPI-compliant APIs, offering unparalleled extensibility to accelerate development with easy-to-use SDKs, comprehensive API documentation, and a user-friendly interface for seamless API and content integration.
Announcements
Airzone Control has launched a new API for seamless integration with Savant's home automation, optimizing HVAC system control and energy efficiency. The collaborative technology enables precise HVAC management and could reduce energy consumption by up to 60%, enhancing energy efficiency in luxury smart homes.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a rule to enhance health data exchange and streamline prior authorization, aiming for $15 billion in savings. By 2027, affected payers must adopt APIs for interoperability and, by 2026, halve decision times for prior authorizations.
TPIsoftware has listed its API management platform digiRunner on AWS Marketplace, backed by AWS technical review and multiple awards. The platform enhances digital innovation by managing APIs and ensuring efficient multi-cloud operations. See additional coverage on TaiwanNews.
Propelus, a dynamic workforce compliance solutions provider, unveils its Propelus Primary Source Verification (PSV) API. This new solution bolsters the company's commitment to enhanced workforce compliance and verification processes. See additional coverage on StreetInsider.
Essent Guaranty, Inc., a mortgage insurance provider, upgraded its integration with PMI Rate Pro, streamlining MI ordering and pricing. The enhanced collaboration promises better efficiency and accessibility features, integrating Essent's advanced pricing engine with PMI Rate Pro's API platform. See additional coverage on businesswire.
Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier is introducing a digital services portfolio to meet wholesale and enterprise client needs, with customizable white label solutions. The services, within the EU's strict data protection framework, include a CPaaS cloud model and are supported continuously from development to operations. See additional coverage on VoIP Review.
Edentech Solutions Group has launched a new API integration for its SecureEPLS platform, allowing businesses to integrate its comprehensive exclusion screening capabilities directly into their existing workflows and applications.
Snapchat partners with Datahash to streamline the integration of its Conversions API, enhancing campaign insights for advertisers. The collaboration aims to offer a privacy-conscious data approach, improving ad performance with easy, code-free setups.
Funding and M&A
Boomi acquires APIIDA's federated API management and Cloud Software Group's API assets to bolster end-to-end API management. These strategic acquisitions enhance security, and governance, and streamline API management across multiple gateways.
Recall.ai raised $10 million in Series A funding to expand its team and add more data source integrations. The startup offers an API for accessing raw data from meeting platforms, facilitating the creation of AI meeting tools. See additional coverage on AccessWire and Yahoo!finance.
Cecabank has invested in Bit2Me to enhance its API, signaling growing trust from traditional banking in regulated crypto companies. Bit2Me's services and transparency attract significant investments, including a recent capital injection from BBVA Spark.
AI
Reddit has partnered with OpenAI to incorporate its posts into ChatGPT. Reddit will also develop new tools utilizing OpenAI's technology. The collaboration gives OpenAI data access, equips Reddit with AI features, and establishes OpenAI as an advertising partner on Reddit. See additional and related coverage on Morningstar, TweakTown, arsTechnica, Northwest Arkansas, The Register, abp Live, Morningstar, Medianama, abcNews, Investopedia, and NBCDFW.
OpenAI's GPT-4o launch precedes Google's announcement of its AI tool Gemini, with free access for users promised. Amid the AI rivalry, companies struggle with costs and face lawsuits over content used in AI training. See additional coverage on Jagran Josh, CMSWire, Information Week, Mashable, and VentureBeat.
Traceable AI launches an Early Access Program for Generative AI API Security to address integration challenges. The platform features a specialized dashboard and tools for vulnerability testing and threat detection in LLMs. See additional coverage on SecurityBrief.
Cube unveiled new AI capabilities and chart prototyping in Cube Cloud to streamline AI and analytics development. These enhancements leverage a universal semantic layer for more efficient and secure AI solutions, with the AI API currently in preview.
Endobits now integrates Dexcom's CGM data with its AI-driven remote patient management platform for improved healthcare outcomes. The partnership enhances patient care through AI analysis and personalized recommendations in line with the latest diabetes clinical guidelines. See additional coverage on StreetInsider.
Fintech
Suffolk Building Society has chosen Finova's Apprivo originations banking platform for front-end mortgage origination. The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution uses automated property valuation data from Hometrack and credit data from Experience in its credit scoring. It also features an API-enabled interface with case management dashboards and risk assessment hubs.
Credit Card Compare launched a new API providing access to data from over 70 Australian card issuers. Their API offers updated, strategic data integration features to improve business insights and customer strategies. See additional coverage on InvestorsObserver.
Security
Ascension, a US charity healthcare system, suffered a significant operational disruption due to a ransomware attack by the Russian-speaking group Black Basta. The incident, prompting manual workaround measures, has drawn attention to the escalating threat of cyberattacks on healthcare infrastructure.
Dell disclosed a data breach caused by a vulnerability in their API which allowed a threat actor to scrape customer data. While Dell patched the issue and downplayed the sensitivity, leaked data includes customers' personal and device details, potentially affecting 49 million users.
Cequence unveiled ML-driven enhancements to its UAP platform, promoting ML-based security features for advanced digital asset protection. The updates promise faster threat detection, reduced analyst workload, and innovative solutions for API and bot management.