API Keys -- Now Available

We've supported SOAP and REST calls via our API server at http://api.hi5.com for over 8 months.  One of the biggest hurdles was obtaining and using an API key to validate requests to the server.  OpenSocial applications have had the benefit of getting a pregenerated Hi5AuthToken, but that's little use if you're designing a backend server or mobile application.  Without an API key, you could simply not use most of the great features you might have read about in our various blog posts.

Our latest sandbox release addresses the API key generation problem.  Here's how it works:

1. Go to http://sandbox.hi5.com/friend/apps/developer.do
2. Create your developer account if you haven't already.
3. Create an App in your account.
4. Get an API Key!

We've added API keys for all existing apps too.  So you might be able to skip step 3 if you already have an existing app.

Now, these new API keys come with some restrictions.  Since anyone can sign up for a developer account, we've had to put in place some restrictions on API key usage.

• By default your API key can only be used to authenticate developer users, not any hi5 users.
• When an application is reviewed and approved by hi5, you will be able to authenticate any hi5 user.
• You need to create an OpenSocial application even if you're writing a backend or mobile client.

This is a big step forward for us.  If you've previously applied for an API key by emailing us at api-request@hi5.com, this is now the correct way to obtain a key.