Spotify Closes API, PlayAI $21M, SEC EDGAR Next
The API Changelog issue 2024.49
This is issue 2024.49 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 November 25, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News highlight
Spotify is curbing third-party developers access to its Web API, impacting features like related artists and playlist access. This aims to create a more secure platform for developers who use the API to access music and other data. Developers criticize Spotify's lack of warning for these sudden API restrictions, which some suggest aim to protect data from AI training use and argue that this change is not a security issue but a way to limit competition and prevent new models from emulating Spotify's model(s).
See additional coverage on Yahoo!tech, KnowTechie, WebProNews, and Android Police.
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
ImageKit's new Video API offers media optimization and automation for developers, enhancing post-production and streaming quality. It integrates with cloud storage like AWS S3, supporting real-time video transformations and adaptive streaming to deliver high-quality content. See additional coverage on businesswire and MorningStar.
Spotware has rolled out cTrader 5.0, focusing on UI personalization and improved algo trading for all platforms. The update includes cross-device algorithm access via Cloud, mobile-friendly trading bots, and the desktop's "Shared Access" feature. See additional coverage on TradingView.
Slope and LabConnect launched a novel bidirectional API integration for improved clinical trial biospecimen management. The integration offers real-time data exchange, reducing errors and streamlining clinical research operations. See additional coverage on MorningStar and Applied Clinical Trails.
PrintVis, a cloud-based business management platform, has introduced new features to enhance operational efficiency for print and packaging companies. Integrating with Microsoft Dynamics 365, it offers robust tools for growth, real-time monitoring, and streamlined integration with APIs and process management.
Tesla has unveiled its API pricing, causing third-party app developers like Teslascope to fear unsustainable costs. Tessie estimates the new fees could result in a $60 million annual expense, potentially leading to reduced app features or shutdowns. See additional coverage on electrek, Techopedia, Mashable, Carscoops, and msn.
SaaSify integrates with AWS Marketplace's new API to streamline CRM operations for ISVs with real-time data sync and reduced manual work. The partnership enables efficient sales workflow automation and enhanced collaboration within native CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot.
Funding and M&A
PlayAI raised $21M to enhance AI voice technology and expedite the development of high-quality speech experiences for businesses. The latest offerings include PlayDialog, which is for natural conversational speech, and Play 3.0 mini, a low-latency, multilingual model for various industry applications.
Mexican embedded lending infrastructure R2 raised $9M for its equity and secured a $50M debt facility to expand in Latin America. The company will use the funds for product development and enhance its AI-based financial services for SMBs.
AI
NVIDIA researchers created Fugatto, a generative AI for complex audio synthesis from text or audio prompts. The model, honed by a global team, tackles multilingual challenges and enables dynamic audio content creation.
Quartr partners with Perplexity to offer direct access to earnings call transcripts through AI-powered search. Perplexity enhances its search with Quartr's technology, making in-depth analysis widely accessible. See additional coverage on StreetInsider.
Mistral AI releases a content moderation API supporting 11 languages with multilingual and nuanced analysis capabilities. Investments from companies like Nvidia and Microsoft foster Mistral AI's growth as Europe seeks AI sovereignty.
Fintech and Crypto
Binance is implementing mandatory Self-Trade Prevention for Futures users, starting December 10, 2024, expanding to Spot and Margin trading. The update begins at 06:00 UTC for 24 hours, during which Futures WebSocket API may disconnect. See additional coverage on Binance.
Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) is quickly growing, with market value expected to reach $74.55 billion by 2030 due to demand for embedded financial tools. White-label platforms offer pre-built solutions that enable rapid, compliant service delivery, with companies like Solaris, Intergiro, FintechOS, Itexus, and Crassula leading the market.
OKX DEX API integration with Phantom Wallet enables enhanced in-wallet trading through smart routing and multiple DEXs. The API's aggregation across 20 networks and rapid integration time exemplify OKX's commitment to innovation and developer support.
Aotearoa, New Zealand's four largest banks, has integrated Payments NZ's API standard for secure data sharing with fintechs. The new API milestone may drive innovation, yet Kiwibank's participation is scheduled for 2026.
Security
A group leaked early access to OpenAI's Sora, accusing the company of exploiting artists and pressuring positive narratives about the tool. The leak allowed users to create videos on Hugging Face, but OpenAI quickly shut down the unauthorized access. See additional coverage on siliconAngle, reddit, and substack.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted amendments for EDGAR Next, enhancing security and account management, with full transition by September 15, 2025. Login.gov credentials are required to manage EDGAR accounts, and API integration will automate enrollment and filing processes.
WhoisXML API announced its new First Watch Malicious Domains Data Feed, which offers daily predictive threat intelligence. The service boasts 97% precision in detecting threatening domains, usually within an hour of registration, significantly enhancing proactive cybersecurity measures.
Circle's new Signing API empowers developers to create secure, in-app wallets for users across multiple blockchains without external wallets. It supports EVM-compatible chains, Solana, and NEAR Protocol, enhancing wallet functionality and interoperability in Web3 applications.