Samsung + Instacart, Jentic $4M, US Treasury Cyberattack
The API Changelog issue 2025.02
This is issue 2025.02 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 30, 2024. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News Highlight
A cyberattack targeting the US Treasury Department has been linked to Chinese government-backed hackers. The breach reflects China's ongoing cyber espionage efforts.
The US Treasury Department has reported a major attack on its workstations, involving a state-sponsored hacker who gained access to unclassified data. The hacker obtained a stolen key from a vendor used for cloud-based technical support. The compromised service was attributed to a China-linked threat actor. The Treasury Department is working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the FBI, intelligence community officials, and third-party forensic experts to investigate the incident. The compromised service has since been taken offline. The attack identified a critical command injection vulnerability, CVE-2024-12356, with a CVSS score of 9.8, and a medium-severity command injection vulnerability, CVE-2024-12686.
See additional coverage on The Verge, Federal News Network, SC Media, computing, SC Media, The Hacker News, BleepingComputer, and TechTarget.
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Announcements
Textmunication Holdings, Inc. has launched an API integration platform to use data from enterprise CRM platforms to enhance customer service. The platform works with major software platforms and can be customized for proprietary CRM platforms. It allows users to send and manage campaigns, complying with SMS text communication rules. The platform will also expand into international markets like Japan, the UK, and India.
Samsung Electronics has partnered with Instacart to enable grocery shopping through AI-equipped Bespoke refrigerators starting in 2025. The refrigerators will feature AI Vision Inside technology, facilitating easy food replenishment through the Instacart platform.
DentalXChange and Open Dental announced the integration of DentalXChange's XConnect™ Claims validation API for efficient in-workflow claims processing. The API's over 1.2 million custom validation rules ensure compliance, simplifying the submission process for nearly 200,000 dental providers.
Gentex Corporation will debut its new HomeLink system, integrating with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, at CES 2025. The system manages smart home devices from brands like Amazon, enhanced by a new smartphone application for remote functionality.
Google's official claims on API-based exclusions for PMax campaigns clash with actual experiences, causing advertiser uncertainty. Observations and tests by experts suggest that Google's stance on API exclusion functionality may need revising.
Funding
AI start-up Jentic raised €4 million to expand its team and fast-track its AI integration platform's development. The company, led by seasoned entrepreneurs, offers middleware enabling seamless AI agent communication and integration.
Aether Holdings, targeting an $8 million IPO, offers a SentimenTrader platform for investment analysis. It aims to list on the Nasdaq under ATHR, with The Benchmark Company and Axiom Capital as bookrunners.
AI
Traini launched an iOS app for enhanced dog communication, featuring a GenAI language translator and PetGPT chatbot. The app uses PEBI and a database of dog behaviors to interpret emotions and plans to launch a cognitive wearable for pets.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm recently outperformed rivals in benchmarks with their AI model while spending only $5.5 million on development. DeepSeek's V3 excelled in Codeforces' programming contests, surpassing models from Meta, OpenAI, and Alibaba. See additional coverage on GlobalTimes.
The Web3 AI platform Tearline has integrated RootData's data API to improve its AI models with detailed project and team data. Tearline's Web3 AI, designed for intent-based interactions, enables the generation of custom content and the creation of bots tuned to trending topics.
AI Legal Mate, an AI Law research organization, uses Google's Willow chip and AI-119 Gen AI patent technology to provide free legal assistance to disabled veterans, LBGTQIA+ youth, and foreign nationals. The organization uses Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and quantum computing to handle civil rights actions and settle claims. AI Legal Mate plans to integrate AI with assistive technology for adaptive learning.
Perfect Corp has launched a suite of AI-powered beauty technology APIs designed to enhance content creation and user engagement. These versatile tools allow for virtual try-ons, aesthetic alterations, and personalized user experiences, aimed at industries from beauty to e-commerce.
Fintech
Bybit, the world's second-largest crypto exchange, launches enhanced P2P services with full API for certified merchants. The API integration allows for streamlined operations, increased transaction automation, and scalability. See additional coverage on CryptoAdventure.
Arbitrum has partnered with OKX Wallet to enhance Web3 development, offering users 1,000+ dApps and other features. The partnership will also improve the developer experience by providing access to OKX Wallet's APIs and support resources.
OrangeX has aligned its operations with the EU's MiCAR by integrating the Travel Rule API for AML compliance. The company also holds a Czech license, preparing to expand post-MiCAR implementation. With MiCAR in effect, OrangeX is ensuring compliance and working with regulators, while leveraging the opportunity to grow and innovate within the EU's regulated crypto space.
Multi-asset investment specialist Saxo Bank has notified partners that the Instrument Code for cash transfers will be changed to CASHINTRTP starting 15 March 2025. Partners using EOD files must update their integration logic to detect fundings and withdrawals with the new code from 17 March.
Unmarshal's integration with the Movement Network empowers developers to create advanced dApps through robust data solutions and API access. This collaboration enhances blockchain ecosystem capabilities, offering key APIs and tools for efficient, data-driven application development.