This is issue 2025.12 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 March 17, 2025. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News Highlight
OpenAI officially unveiled the most powerful variant of its o1 “reasoning” AI model, o1-pro, in its developer API at a significantly higher price and also introduced a suite of advanced audio models and tools through its API, designed to empower developers in creating sophisticated, voice-driven applications.
The o1-pro AI model API has enhanced capabilities and computational costs for developers. The API excludes audio input, supports text and images, and is now available to select paid-tier developers. See additional coverage on Techzine, Daily Jang, msn and abp live.
The new speech-to-text and text-to-speech models, enhance developers' ability to create expressive speech agents. The advanced audio models, accessible through the API, offer improved nuance understanding, error reduction, and reliable transcriptions. See additional coverage on Observer Voice, Geeky Gadgets, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and Gadgets 360.
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Announcements
Last week, the .NET Team unveiled HybridCache, a .NET 9 library for efficient data management across in-memory and distributed caches. HybridCache aims to boost ASP. NET Core applications by reducing code complexity and enhancing speed and responsiveness.
Roblox has open-sourced its Cube 3D model and debuted its mesh generation API beta to boost developer productivity. Cube 3D supports text-based 3D modeling, aiming for multimodal AI integration, and envisions enabling creation for 85 million daily users. See additional coverage on Auganix.
AliExpress has expanded its local seller program, introducing a self-serve Marketplace model and advanced integration tools like Open API. An event in Los Angeles on April 3 will educate sellers about maximizing opportunities on AliExpress. See additional coverage on Stock Titan.
Reliance Matrix and Businessolver have enhanced their partnership by launching an EOI decision API, improving benefits enrollment for employees. This new tool complements the existing API, automating approvals and streamlining HR processes for higher efficiency and satisfaction.
Google expanded its partnership with Reddit, using its Vertex AI for enhanced Reddit searches, amid concerns about Reddit's user growth dependency on Google. Reddit's shares dropped after an analyst rated it "sell," citing vulnerability to Google's algorithm changes impacting user traffic.
Aurora Mobile Limited's SendCloud forms a strategic partnership with SaleSmartly, enhancing email campaign performance with high delivery rates and API integration. EngageLab, also powered by SendCloud, boosts multi-channel customer engagement and messaging capabilities globally.
Bikeflights, a global bicycle shipping service, launched a new API and a free Shopify app for efficient shipping integrations. These tools simplify generating shipping labels and bookings, aiming to save time, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. See additional coverage on Endurance.Biz.
Funding and M&A
Crossmint, a crypto API platform, secured $23.6 million in funding led by Ribbit Capital, without offering token warrants. The funding, aiming to attract software engineers, saw participation from major firms and emphasized traditional tech integration over startup-focused approaches.
Privy, a crypto wallet infrastructure provider, secured an estimated $15 million led by Ribbit Capital. The investment boosts its total funding above $40 million, aiming to simplify developer access to crypto services.
AI
Nortal and Aftia have introduced a managed service enhancing Adobe’s APIs for digital accessibility and AI insights. This service supports WCAG compliance and unlocks data from PDFs, aiding organizations with minimal internal resources.
Solo.io has launched kagent, an open-source framework for creating AI agents in Kubernetes ecosystems. Kagent offers DevOps tools, AI agents, and a declarative API to simplify AI integration and automation.
WSO2 introduces novel tools like the Ballerina Integrator and Devant by WSO2 AI iPaaS, simplifying API and AI integrations for developers. Their consistent focus on open source and realistic problem-solving is evident throughout their 20-year history and innovative updates. See additional coverage on MorningStar and SiliconANGLE.
Luminary Cloud and nTop have partnered with Nvidia to streamline AI-driven engineering design, cutting optimization times from weeks to hours. This collaboration enables rapid design analysis, using cloud-native platforms and APIs to train physics AI models for performance improvements in various industries.
xAI has introduced image generation to its API with the "grok-2-image-1212" model at $0.07 per image. xAI, seeking funding to boost its $75 billion valuation, acquired an AI video firm and is enhancing its Memphis data center. See additional coverage on Techi, cyberdaily.au, Gadgets 360, autogpt, Observer Voice, and Sangri Today.
Precisely has updated its Automate SAP Data API to improve SAP ERP integrations, bolstering digital transformation. The API enhancements address integration challenges, offering seamless automation and optimized TCO with no-/low-code development features.
Fintech
Sideko has launched an API ecosystem platform automating tools for developers and keeping API-related resources in sync. Prudential Financial, Inc. adopts Sideko's solution to streamline its API documentation and maintenance.
PayNet and CelcomDigi collaborate integrating SIM-based authentication to boost transaction security through open APIs. The partnership furthers financial security and aids in combating fraud by connecting with Malaysia's National Scam Response Centre.
Checkbook launched new infrastructure enabling businesses to send payments directly to consumers' PayPal and Venmo accounts. This streamlines funds transfers to popular digital wallets.
Blockdaemon, a blockchain infrastructure provider, has acquired expand.network, a facilitator of DeFi protocol access via unified API. The acquisition, aligning with Blockdaemon's mission to simplify Web3 integrations, enhances its suite of solutions for institutional clients in DeFi.
Security
Xactus launched its open API portal, setting a new industry standard for developer-friendly documentation and ease of integration. The portal enhances Xactus' mortgage ecosystem, while ensuring secure API access is U.S. IP restricted. See additional coverage on Mortgage Orb, my ChesCo, and 01net.
Cequence Security is now an AWS WAF Ready Partner, signifying tight integration and validation by AWS. Their Unified API Protection platform enhances WAFs, providing advanced security for APIs and web applications.
Salt Security won the Gold Award for API Management and Security in the Globee Awards, recognizing its innovative platform and CrowdStrike integration. The company's advanced API Protection Platform uses big data and ML/AI for robust API defense.
Radware was recognized as a Strong Performer in The Forrester Wave for Web Application Firewall Solutions. The company excelled in six criteria, including AI investments, and has a comprehensive Cloud Application Protection Service.
Akamai Technologies was recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave™: Web Application Firewall Solutions, Q1 2025. The company's App & API Protector, praised for detection and ease of automation, underlines Akamai's commitment to ongoing innovation and customer defense.