Perplexity Election Information Hub, Speakeasy $15M, OpenAI Cheaper RealTime API
The API Changelog issue 2024.45
This is issue 2024.45 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 October 28, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News highlight
Google Cloud has introduced Grounding with Google Search to enhance the accuracy and freshness of Gemini AI model responses. The feature also provides source links and search suggestions, available in Google AI Studio tools and Gemini API at $35 per 1,000 queries.
"Grounding with Google Search," is allowing developers to improve response accuracy by incorporating real-time data from Google Search. This update enables Gemini 1.5 models to pull live information from Google Search, increasing transparency and accuracy. Developers can access grounding features through Google AI Studio's "Tools" section or the Gemini API's 'google_search_retrieval' tool. The feature reduces hallucination in model responses and links responses to real-time search results, boosting transparency and directing traffic to source publishers. Developers can activate a dynamic retrieval feature for certain queries requiring real-time data.
See additional coverage on Google AI for Developers, TechCrunch, maginative, Gadgets 360, and siliconAngle.
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
Salsa Technology's Salsa Gator broadens its services by integrating First's bespoke Brazilian sportsbook onto its aggregation platform. The partnership emphasizes compliance with Brazilian regulations and Salsa Gator's array of 20,000 games, aligning with First's sportsbook expertise to meet market demands.
CHAMP Cargosystems has launched Traxon Multi-Carrier API, enabling simple comparison and booking of air cargo with over 25 airlines. The tool offers cost and time efficiency by allowing for easy integration with systems and swift access to the best rates.
X has again hiked its API fees, potentially impacting third-party app viability. The increase affects all access tiers, with some applications potentially shutting down as a result. See additional coverage on TechCrunch, Techopedia, TechInAsia, techradar pro, and Pune.News.
WhoisXML API launches DNS Chronicle API, offering complete DNS history for domain/IP threat detection. The new tool provides detailed DNS insights, aiding security professionals in identifying and investigating cyber threats.
RoomPriceGenie has launched an Open API for seamless integration with various PMS and CM systems, enhancing access to its revenue management tools. This new feature facilitates a free trial opportunity for hoteliers to experience automated dynamic pricing and revenue optimization.
Perplexity introduced an election information hub, utilizing The Associated Press and Democracy Works' data for real-time updates. Other AI services like OpenAI's ChatGPT Search, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini avoid election result inquiries due to AI misinformation concerns.
Expedia Group has allied with Microsoft to incorporate its One Key loyalty program into Bing for U.S. and UK users. Bing travelers can now accumulate One Key and Microsoft Rewards points through bookings powered by Expedia's Rapid API tech.
Vinesign by Filevine has launched a new Public API, enabling businesses to integrate e-signature processes with their existing systems for improved efficiency. The API allows seamless connections with CRMs, automates workflows, enhances security, and boosts productivity by removing manual document handling.
GoDaddy has launched a reseller program with Website Builder API, first integrated by Tailor Brands. Tailor Brands' clients gain access to AI-driven tools and marketing capabilities, positioning GoDaddy as a key player in small business digital solutions. See additional coverage on StreetInsider, MTC, Small Business Trends, and Yahoo!finance.
Nokia partnered with Hrvatski Telekom (HT) to integrate 5G APIs in Croatia, fostering developer-led monetization of 5G networks. The collaboration, involving Infobip and Elmo, supports innovative applications like teledriving across Europe, backed by a growing global Nokia API ecosystem. See additional coverage on GlobeNewswire, sdxcentral, capacity, and telecoms.com.
Funding
Validation Cloud, a Web3 and AI innovator, secured $10 million from lead investor True Global Ventures for AI and data product expansion. The AI platform, boasting a $1 billion staking milestone, enhances blockchain data access, and its customer base includes Chainlink and Stellar.
MealMe, a food and retail ordering API provider, raised $8 million in Series A, bringing their total funding to $16 million. Transitioning to a B2B model, they offer inventory data integration and order fulfillment from over 1.2 million North American stores.
APIs are the backbone of modern software, and their traffic is surging, but the tooling for creating high-quality APIs is lagging. Speakeasy secured $15M Series A funding to tackle these challenges by making API development more efficient and up-to-date. See additional coverage on Axios Pro and AllSides.
Warburg AI, a UAE-based AI company, focuses on AI-driven financial services, recently receiving $250,000 for its platform's growth. The company is advancing in algorithmic trading and risk management, targeting forex and crypto markets with its machine-learning tools.
AI
SK Telecom collaborates with Samsung Electronics to enhance 5G base stations using AI, showing potential customer experience improvements. They're extending AI optimization to diverse parameters and applications, like subway systems and beamforming technology.
Anthropic has upgraded its Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI to analyze the content of PDFs, including text, images, and charts. The model extracts text, converts pages to images for assessment and offers API access without extra charges beyond token fees. See additional coverage on Unite.Ai.
IBM is launching AI agents that automate GitHub issue resolution, targeting developer efficiency. The AI can suggest fixes for bugs, with a notable 23.7% success rate on the SWE-bench tests.
OpenAI unveiled cost-saving updates for its RealTime API at a London event, potentially reducing conversation costs by up to 80%. The RealTime API, popular in creating voice-enabled applications, now features automatic caching for audio and text inputs. See additional coverage on Venture Beat.
Patronus AI, a new startup, has launched a real-time AI failure prevention platform. Their system, including novel tools, aims to ensure safer AI deployment amidst increasing risks and regulatory scrutiny. See additional coverage on siliconAngle and BigDataWire.
ElevenLabs launched an API for generating AI voices through Voice Design and introduced an open-source project, X to Voice for Twitter profiles. X to Voice analyzes a user's profile to create a unique voice that animates profile pictures, with three previews available for testing.
Fintech and Crypto
The European Payments Council (EPC) updated its API security framework, mandating robust standards for VOP, SRTP, and SPAA by October 5, 2025. EPC also published VOP API Specifications detailing inter-PSP VOP message rules, effective on the same date. See additional coverage on The Paypers.
Fractal has unveiled EasyPay, a swift virtual payment platform for SaaS companies, minimizing coding and hardware needs. EasyPay features text/mobile payments and financial reporting while ensuring security, aimed specifically at matured construction and heavy industry software firms. See additional coverage on StreetInsider.
CardFree, an integrated wallet solution for NFC space, has over 21,000 locations deployed and is launching a purpose-built platform for partners to deploy customized order, pay, and loyalty solutions through a single API integration.
Security
Datadog reported that three malicious npm packages containing BeaverTail malware are linked to North Korea's Contagious Interview campaign. Unit 42 indicated these attacks exploit job seekers' trust, highlighting the misuse of the open-source ecosystem for malware distribution. See additional coverage on SC Media and MSSP Alert.
MEF released its 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint, focusing on Network-as-a-Service evolution and enterprise digital transformation. The blueprint emphasizes collaboration for multi-cloud connectivity and outlines key areas like cybersecurity, AI, and GenAI for service provider growth.
Researchers at Guardio uncovered a method to exploit private APIs in the Opera browser, potentially giving attackers control over user settings and browser activity. Opera has taken steps to prevent such exploits by blocking extensions from running scripts on domains with private API access.
Your blog always provides valuable insights! I appreciate how you stress the importance of user experience in API design. EchoAPI has been a great tool in helping me create APIs that prioritize usability.