- Pi Network releases Node version 0.5.4 with performance enhancements and reward fixes.
- Mainnet shows only 296 active nodes and three validators despite OpenMind participation claims.
- PI token drops nearly 13% over past week as developers express frustration with progress.
Pi Network has released Pi Node version 0.5.4, introducing performance enhancements, refined reward calculations, and improved user experience features. Despite these technical advances, the ecosystem faces challenges including low mainnet activity and declining developer confidence.
The Pi Core Team announced the release on November 6, renaming the application “Pi Desktop” to reflect expanded functionality. Users can now access the Node, mining app, and Pi App Studio through a unified interface. The update addresses community-reported issues related to Node mining rewards, automatic updates, and block container creation.
New features expand desktop capabilities
The release introduces a new open port verification system to ensure accurate Node bonus calculations. Pi Desktop now allows approved external links, enabling users to access blogs and resources directly from the mining app and Pi App Studio. These improvements collectively enhance performance and user experience for Node operators.
“As announced in the recent update, Pi App Studio is now directly accessible from the top navigation bar in Pi Desktop, positioned alongside the Pi mining app and Node,” the team stated. The update resolved an App Studio display issue where deployed apps were not showing previews correctly.
This release builds on the OpenMind pilot project that demonstrated Pi Network’s capacity for decentralized AI training. OpenMind reported that more than 350,000 active nodes participated in the proof-of-concept, completing image recognition workloads. The partnership marked Pi Network Ventures’ first investment, signaling a shift toward real-world blockchain applications.
However, this progress contrasts with the network’s current on-chain activity. Despite OpenMind’s large-scale participation claims, PiScan data shows only 296 active mainnet nodes and three validators operating at present.
Developer dissatisfaction grows
Developers have expressed discontent with the network’s progress. WorkforcePool, the first Pi Network Hackathon winner and a decentralized freelance marketplace, announced it is for sale. This drew criticism from developers citing high operational costs, lack of team support, and slow ecosystem development.
The Pi Network launched its Open Network in February with the intention of improving accessibility and supporting decentralized application development. However, the pace of app development and mainnet migration has disappointed stakeholders, contributing to frustration among community members.
Price performance has added to Pi Network’s challenges. After initial enthusiasm faded, Pi Coin has continued displaying weakness. While PI rose briefly in late October, the token slipped shortly afterward. The cryptocurrency has dropped nearly 10% over the past week, compounding concerns about the ecosystem’s viability.
