Pi Network Releases Node v0.5.4, Rebrands Client as Pi Desktop
The overhaul positions Pi Desktop as a single hub for mining, node operation, developer tooling.
Overview
- Version 0.5.4 delivers fixes to mining reward calculations, automatic updates, and block container creation, plus a refined open‑port check for more accurate Node bonus verification.
- Pi Desktop introduces in‑app access to approved resources and places Pi App Studio in the main navigation to streamline dApp development workflows.
- Despite the upgrade, reported metrics show weak activity with roughly 296 active mainnet nodes and three validators on PiScan, and Pi trading near $0.21 after a weekly drop of about 10% on OKX.
- User feedback welcomes performance improvements yet flags ongoing pain points including KYC delays, non‑transferable balances, and electricity costs for running nodes.
- Developer confidence shows strain as the WorkforcePool project says it is seeking buyers, citing high operating costs and limited ecosystem support.