Green Check Cannabis API, Fragment $9M, Life360 Breach
The API Changelog issue 2024.31
This is issue 2024.31 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 July 22, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News highlight
Bridge Alliance and Singtel have formed a partnership to develop the BAEx, utilizing Singtel's Paragon for better API access across telco networks. BAEx aims to simplify and expedite service deployment for enterprises by standardizing and regionalizing telco APIs.
Singtel has partnered with Bridge Alliance, a global consortium of 34 member operators, to enhance API exposure and accelerate service deployment. The Singaporean operator will use Paragon, its all-in-one platform for 5G multi-access edge computing, to power the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx). The exchange will use Paragon to aggregate network authentication, user verification, and network-quality APIs from member operators. This will allow enterprises and developers to streamline service deployment on networks operated by Bridge Alliance members, reducing complexity and friction for customers, developers, and solution providers. The APIs will support various enterprise use cases, including fintech, e-commerce, and OTT providers.
See additional coverage on RCRWireless News, tnglobal, TR, Singtel, The Manila Times, The Business Times, and telecoms.
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
Kinectify has launched SDKs in various programming languages, enabling easy and efficient API integration for gaming risk management. CEO Joseph Martin highlights the reduced engineering work, facilitating near-no-code connections for clients.
Yelp has rolled out new ad products for multi-location and national brands, including lead generation tools and enhanced ad formats. The release features programs like Request a Quote for Brands and extends advertising options such as video ads and audio/CTV placements. See additional coverage on destination CRM, yelp blog, Search Engine Land, MTC, and The Media Leader.
Green Check announced the expansion of Green Check Access, a robust cannabis API offering unified industry data and insights for optimization. The tool allows users to access a comprehensive data source and is being employed by diverse businesses including a credit-scoring agency for cannabis financial health assessment. See additional coverage on StreetInsider and Fintech Futures.
Google has altered its strategy by opting to develop a new user-informed browsing choice for cookies, rather than scrapping third-party cookies. Details of this choice will emerge after consultations with regulators and community engagement on the evolving Privacy Sandbox initiative.
The Department of the Air Force’s Office of the Chief Information Officer released an API Reference Architecture for enhanced software interfaces and secure data sharing. They seek stakeholder feedback by mid-August to refine their API platform's roadmap and architecture. See additional coverage on MeriTalk.
Software firm Phoebus is managing £20bn in UK equity release loans due to growth and new clientele. The company's API and modern user interface support seamless loan transfers and servicing, enhancing efficiency in the equity release industry.
Snowdrop Solutions announced a partnership with Kroo, focusing on enhancing Kroo's mobile app user experience. The collaboration integrates Snowdrop's MRS API for improved transaction details, fostering transparency and financial control for users.
Webnexs has announced a new emphasis on API-driven development to create scalable applications. This approach aims to offer enhanced integration and customization for clients.
Funding
Fragment is a ledger API startup, simplifying real-time accounting for engineers without specialized knowledge, and has raised $9 million in seed funding. The company, founded by repeat entrepreneurs, aims to empower fintech developers with tools to accurately track and reconcile financial transactions.
AI
OpenAI has launched GPT-4o mini to make AI technology more affordable and accessible. The mini model will start by supporting text and vision through its API, with plans for multi-modal inputs in the future. See additional coverage on Kashmir Reader, OpenAi, and arsTechnica.
Speech Processing Solutions, known for Philips dictation, partnered with iManage to improve legal document workflows. The integration streamlines audio and transcription syncing for legal professionals, enhancing efficiency and client service.
Global Relay's integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise Compliance API aids in regulatory compliance for enterprise communications. This solution helps firms maintain data integrity and meet FINRA and SEC recordkeeping mandates. See additional coverage on FTF and Crowdfund Insider.
Alibaba International announced its AI toolkit, aiding 500,000 merchants in enhancing e-commerce operations across 40 scenarios. AI technologies bolster operation efficiency, language adaptation, customer service, and e-commerce dispute resolution, showing significant performance improvements. See additional coverage on PR Newswire.
Meta has released Llama 3.1 405B, an AI model competing with top closed AI models in various capabilities. The company emphasizes open models' innovation potential, cost efficiency, and accessibility for broader AI benefits.
MongoDB is initiating MAAP to offer customers architectures, integrations, and support for creating AI applications. MAAP, enriched with partners like Accenture and AWS, aims to simplify multi-vendor AI integration and continuously update with new tech advances.
ServiceNow and Boomi announce a strategic partnership to enhance customer service through AI-driven self-service and integration capabilities. Boomi will streamline its support by using ServiceNow's platforms, as ServiceNow enriches its automation solutions with Boomi's API Management. See additional coverage on ChannelPro, sdxcentral, businesswire, 01net, and AIThority.
You.com, an AI-powered productivity engine, has announced a partnership with Moesif to enhance productivity using AI assistants. You.com will also use Moesif's monetization expertise for its AI APIs through usage-based billing.
Vonage, now part of Ericsson, integrates generative AI into its SIP Trunking service for improved business connectivity and customer service. The enhancement features a new SIP dashboard, AI Studio, Code Hub, and Voice API, enabling easier setup and automated customer interactions.
OpenAI unveiled SearchGPT, aiming to offer quick, clear answers with sources, challenging Google's search dominance. Alphabet's stock dipped as OpenAI's prototype and new AI models suggest a push towards multifaceted AI media integration within ChatGPT.
Fintech and Crypto
The Nigerian Exchange Group CEO, Temi Popoola, showcased their digital innovation leading in capital-raising efficiency for banks. This system integrates via an API, facilitating quick investor participation in primary market issuances.
Benzinga has launched an API providing real-time access to conference call transcripts and summaries for market analysis. The service aims to facilitate better financial decisions through user-friendly tools and immediate data insights.
Corytech announces its new Merchant App and API 3.0, offering advanced features for payment management and flexibility. The API 3.0 upgrade introduces efficient cascading, flexible routing, swift refunds, as well as enhanced overpayment and cancellation capabilities. See additional coverage on EINPresswire.
Quartr partners with Stocktwits, integrating its API to give users access to extensive corporate data. The deal marks Quartr's significant API distribution, boosting Stocktwits' user experience with live earnings calls and financial documents. See additional coverage on StreetInsider and Traders Magazine.
FastSpring introduces a HubSpot integration, easing the operations for sales, support, and billing teams, and enhancing B2B solutions. The platform provides automated proforma invoices, streamlined subscription management, and complex coupon rule automation for global SaaS business expansion.
Coinbase has unveiled MPC Wallets access via its Platform API, enhancing key management for developer-controlled wallets. The service includes 'Server Signer' for no-code MPC wallet creation on developers' clouds.
Security
Escape made its database of API data breaches public to foster knowledge sharing. They offer insights into vulnerabilities, threat actors, and CVEs, updated bi-weekly.
Cequence and e-Safer have partnered to enhance API protection in Brazil. The platform provides a comprehensive solution to protect against fraud and cyberattacks at every stage of the API lifecycle, ensuring compliance with security and governance best practices. Cequence's UAP platform offers native real-time inline protection, blocking attacks before they reach applications.
Life360 suffered a data breach exposing personal info of 442,519 users without compromising financial details or SSNs. The breach, credited to a threat actor exploiting an Android login API, has prompted the company to securitize API responses. See additional coverage on BleepingComputer, SC MediaUK, and SC Media.
Apple criticized Google's Topics ad system, alleging it enables fingerprinting and re-identification of users. Google defended Topics, arguing issues were due to flawed simulation in the cited research paper.