The Pi Network Core Team has released a major update aimed at refining its desktop infrastructure and user experience.
- Pi Network launches Pi Node version 0.5.4, now rebranded as Pi Desktop.
- The update improves node performance, reward calculations, and developer accessibility.
- Despite upgrades, Pi’s mainnet activity and token price continue to weaken.
Version 0.5.4, officially announced on November 6, introduces several performance optimizations and interface changes while giving the project’s desktop application a new identity — now called Pi Desktop.
This update represents a strategic shift for the Pi ecosystem. Beyond being a simple node interface, Pi Desktop now integrates mining functions, the Pi App Studio, and a suite of developer tools into one platform. The team says the goal is to streamline participation for node operators while fostering more efficient dApp development across the network.
What’s New in Pi Desktop
Among the most notable improvements are fixes for reward calculation errors, enhanced automatic updates, and better block container creation — all addressing issues previously raised by community node operators. A newly added open port verification system also ensures fairer node bonus assessments, potentially improving long-term engagement among miners.
Pi Node version 0.5.4 has been released! This update introduces several improvements to Node performance, Node mining rewards calculations, and the user experience on the Pi Desktop application. https://t.co/jeozstvj2I
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) November 6, 2025
Pi Desktop now allows users to access approved external resources and blogs directly from within the interface, removing the need for separate browser navigation. The update also corrects display issues within Pi App Studio, where app previews were failing to render properly.
In its release notes, the team highlighted that these refinements were guided by extensive community feedback. “Pi App Studio is now accessible from the main navigation bar, alongside the Pi mining app and Node,” the developers stated, underscoring their focus on integrating core ecosystem tools under a unified dashboard.
Building on the OpenMind Project
The release follows the success of OpenMind, Pi Network’s decentralized AI initiative that tested large-scale distributed computing across its infrastructure. The pilot saw more than 350,000 active nodes perform image recognition tasks in a collaborative proof-of-concept — marking one of the network’s largest coordinated efforts to date.
This collaboration also served as the first venture investment under Pi Network Ventures, signaling the project’s intention to bridge blockchain development with real-world applications in AI and data science.
On-Chain Struggles Persist
Yet, despite these technical milestones, Pi Network’s on-chain performance paints a far less optimistic picture. According to PiScan, the network currently hosts only 296 active mainnet nodes and three validators, highlighting a steep drop from the project’s testnet engagement levels.
Developer sentiment has also cooled. The decentralized freelancing marketplace WorkforcePool, a former Pi Hackathon winner, recently announced it is seeking buyers due to high operational costs and limited ecosystem support. The move has reignited concerns about sustainability and the pace of developer progress across Pi’s ecosystem.
Pi Coin Under Pressure
Pi Coin’s market performance reflects these tensions. After briefly recovering in late October, the token has since fallen by roughly 10% over the past week and now trades near $0.21, according to OKX data. Technical indicators suggest sideways movement, with the MACD showing stagnation and RSI near 50, indicating a lack of strong buying momentum.
While the network’s recent upgrade aims to restore confidence and usability, traders appear cautious. For many in the Pi community, the challenge is now less about technological progress and more about convincing developers and users alike that the project can sustain long-term growth beyond experimental phases.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/pi-network-rolls-out-major-upgrade-amid-declining-price/