Pi2Day 2024 marks an essential milestone for Pi Network—it’s the last Pi2Day before we launch Open Network!
As detailed in the Open Network conditions in December 2023, our path to Open Network relies on collective efforts of the whole Pi community, including the Core Team, community developers and all Pioneers. Due to the amazing contributions and innovations of the whole community, we made great progress and are right on track.
Thus, for today’s Pi2Day celebration, we’ll share updates on the progress made in the Open Network conditions, review product updates and releases since Pi Day (March 14, 2024), introduce new releases today presented in the corresponding sections of the product and tech updates, glimpse into the next initiatives that will advance the network towards our Open Network goals, and initiate a community event for celebration – a new Pi2Day Open Network Challenge!
But first, we are thrilled to announce that the Pioneer community has now reached over 60 million Engaged Pioneers!
Open Network Conditions and Status
Today, we have updates on the progress of our three key conditions for Open Network.
- Finish any Open Network preparation work in technology, product, business, and legal following the consistent strategies of Pi Network
The Core Team continues to stay on track for this goal. The majority of this announcement, in the next sections, will be dedicated to the progress made and some future initiatives in the various areas of the project moving towards Open Network.
- Meet network KYC, migration, and utility creation goals
When setting our timeline, we established three goals that are primarily driven by community efforts:
First, 15 million KYC’ed Pioneers. At this time, we have over 12 million KYC’d Pioneers, up from 9.45 million on March 14, 2024. Many KYC corner cases were unblocked to facilitate this increase, and acceleration is expected with more changes and community mobilization initiatives.
Second, migrate 10 million Pioneers to Mainnet. We currently have 5.79 million Pioneers on Mainnet, compared to 4.5 million on March 14, 2024. We have made and will continue making changes that will accelerate Mainnet migrations. Keep reading for the details later in this post.
Third, 100 Pi apps that (1) are on the Mainnet or are Mainnet-ready, (2) comply with the Pi platform policies, (3) solve a true need and bring utility to the Pi ecosystem, and (4) are a distinct application. We now have over 70 Mainnet or Mainnet-ready Pi apps that meet these criteria, up from 50 on March 14, 2024.
- No Unfavorable External Environment
We control the Open Network launch date. That lets us avoid launching at a time when global factors might harm crypto and traditional business ecosystems. While we don’t anticipate any such events currently, we won’t ignore them, either. We will work to ensure our launch is timed for the best results for the network.
That’s the summary. Here are the details:
Tech & Product Progress Towards Open Network
Since the Pi Day announcement, the Core Team has continued to focus on advancing Open Network preparations, including the key priorities of KYC, Mainnet migrations, Nodes, and other initiatives like growth and post-migration lockups. Efforts to build utility and a robust community through Pioneer connections, social features and community events also continued. These align with the Enclosed Network goals of achieving critical mass of verified Pioneers on Mainnet, completing Open Network preparations, and diversifying Pi cryptocurrency utilities.
Read on to learn more, and engage with the new updates that are available to you!
As always, this tech and product update focuses on the features and work items that are visible, relevant and interesting to Pioneers, omitting much work in the backend but still important.
KYC
The Core Team has developed several methods to help Pioneers pass KYC at various points in the application, validation, and approval processes.
New Releases: This week, we released a new feature to unblock many Pioneers in the KYC process. A password-change requirement was added in the Mainnet Checklist for some Pioneers, after the completion of which they will make sure their account is secure before proceeding in the KYC. And today, we’re introducing a new appeal functionality, which for the first time allows Pioneers to appeal some KYC rejection decisions and present their case for a second opinion if they disagree with Validators’ judgment.
Since Pi Day, we have released numerous KYC features and improvements to resolve stuck applications and help advance them to the next stage of KYC, such as adding the left-and-right face angles capturing in the liveness check to improve accuracy and reduce chance of delay in liveness checks, and multiple liveness checks for applicable cases, including those with tentative KYC status that will help them advance into next step. Over 1.78 million Pioneers have completed at least one liveness check during its gradual rollout over the past two months.
A resubmission ability was offered to many cases where resubmission would be helpful in unblocking them. Clearer instructions on the next actions to take across the KYC app and Mainnet Checklist were provided to people who were stuck and didn’t know what to do. We also rolled out various fixes and improvements over Q2 that addressed blockers for different stuck corner cases due to missing fields, image obfuscation, video conversion failures, face extraction, backside of some ID document processing, ID type selection and ID upload errors and other background technical processes.
The user interface and experience has been improved throughout the KYC process to help guide Pioneers in accurately completing their applications, with translations now available throughout the KYC process, improved instructions for both Pioneers and Validators to smoothen the process, more informative feedback on incorrect entries, all of which help prevent future stuck cases and reduce the chance of being blocked for applications.
In order to facilitate faster and more accurate KYC validation, we’ve released various improvements to help Validators, including improved algorithms and more refined and practical rejection reasons based on data analysis.
For upcoming work, we’re working on analyzing data from all overall liveness features to improve the liveness verification accuracy. This will also help inform the evaluation process that determines if a tentative KYC can transition to fully KYC status—unblocking such applications to move forward afterwards.
To learn more about Pi KYC and its importance for Pioneers and Open Network, check out the following resources:
Mainnet Migrations
We’re continuing to improve the recent update that drastically upgraded the speed of Mainnet migrations. The update, the result of diligent testing, technical optimizations, and numerous revisions, has increased the efficiency and overall capacity of the migration process, allowing for up to double the migration speed. This upgrade enabled the community to take advantage of the speed to migrate faster, and allowed us to make continued improvements. More changes to accelerate the migration process are being planned and worked on to be released in Q3.
The Mainnet Checklist optimization helps to facilitate higher completion rate, and propel the network migration to the Mainnet; all Pioneer-dependent steps have been clustered earlier in the list to allow for smoother completion, reducing drop offs in between approvals and Pioneer actions. This means that once a Pioneers passes KYC they will automatically be added to the migration queue.
In addition to further improvement on migration speed in Q3, we plan to implement notifications for Pioneers once they’ve successfully migrated to Mainnet in the coming months! This will keep Pioneers informed of their migration status and encourage them to start engaging in utility activities on Mainnet, contributing to other Open Network goals.
New Release: On-Chain Lockups
Starting this week, Pioneers who’ve successfully migrated to Mainnet can voluntarily create a new lockup on the blockchain! This feature addresses the need for Pioneers to create a lockup after migrating, and allows migrated Pioneers to make use of their migrated Pi for lockup mining rewards if they choose to. Creating a new lockup for Mainnet migrated Pi in the Pi Wallet will boost individual mining rates based on the same lockup rewards mechanism detailed in the 2021 Whitepaper, which then helps to support a robust and stable ecosystem and incentivize long-term engagement with the network. More detailed introduction of this feature will come in future announcements.
Nodes
To prepare Nodes for Open Network, we’ve released Node version updates from 0.4.9 to 0.4.11 that enhance Node analytics, standardize the Node application across geographic regions, and further lay the groundwork for future developments in Node selection and decentralization. We’re also planning a mechanism for Nodes to support switching between the Testnet and Mainnet blockchains. With over 200,000 Nodes on the Pi Testnet waiting for the transition to Mainnet, Pi Nodes have immense potential for large-scale, decentralized computing. Learn more about the recent updates.
Platform/PiNet:
The Pi Platform’s major work in Q2 focused on the creation and implementation of the Pi Ad Network, with additional work completed on PiNet and Developer Tools. Such work is important for the Pi ecosystem and achieving the Open Network goals in utility creation.
Pi Ad Network is a new component of the Pi Platform, and a platform-level utility, which facilitates community developers to add advertisements that will be ultimately transacted in Pi cryptocurrency into their Pi Apps, and help such apps be more sustainable. Pi Ad Network was rolled out in Fireside Forum earlier this year as part of the testing for this feature.
New features were developed that make it possible for Community Pi App Developers to begin using the platform and get paid for the advertisements that they show to Pioneers. There is an initial batch of community Pi Apps preparing to integrate this new platform feature, and a larger roll out coming quickly after. Read more about platform-level utilities and the Pi Ad Network for the design and plan.
PiNet saw growing adoption amongst community Pi Apps, making more Pi Network content and utilities available to the broader Web3 and Web2 ecosystems. PiNet also had improvements and bug fixes throughout the Q2; most notably, the migration of Pi apps domains to pinet.com, providing unified user experience of Pi ecosystem across Pi Browser and other browsers through Pinet.
Geolocation was enabled for Pi Apps, allowing developers to request Pioneers to consent and share the location of their device within the Pi Browser; this is currently only available for non-Android devices, with a roll out to Android devices planned in the near future. This popularly demanded feature by Pi app developers increases the functionality of the Pi Browser and facilitates the development and services of Pi apps requiring location information, such as local commerce apps, and will boost Pi utility in location-based businesses.
Developer Wallets creation has begun and developers are starting to receive the sending and receiving wallets that they previously applied for. This will help secure the ecosystem and protect developers as well as Pioneers with improved security of the Pi held by Pi apps. Read more about what these wallets are and how they help developers and the ecosystem.
Pi App Incubator
The inaugural Pi App Incubator Program, an intensive 12-week program designed to support the growth and improvement of community Pi Apps, concluded in June 2024. The program that ran during the entire Q2 was designed to help Community Pi Apps get the support and resources needed to improve, and to help progress toward our goal of 100 Mainnet Apps.
The first cohort of five community Pi Apps, Connect Social, PiketPlace, The PiToGo, World of Pi Championships, and Pailot, received product and design mentorship along with a monthly monetary grant. The participating community teams made tremendous improvements, and the Pi Core Team will be taking the learnings from the first cohort to update the program and launch a second cohort later this year.
New Release: Pi Social Profiles
The initial social profile system is released today on Pi Network. Pi is not only a cryptocurrency but also a social network. We’ve been a social network for the past few years without a profile system for strategic reasons such as prioritizing actually having real people in a network. Having reached a network of millions, we are at the time to have profiles. Pi Social Profiles is built not only to fit the needs of individual Pioneers to have a profile page to interact with other Pioneers and external social media , but also to be a platform feature that can be integrated into different parts of the ecosystem such as different Pi apps and programs that need profiles.
This feature now allows Pioneers to personalize their profiles with details such as a profile picture, Fireside Forum, and the ability to friend and follow fellow Pioneers. The goal for social profiles is for Pioneers to build their own interactive experience within the network, and build up and bridge influence inside and outside of Pi network. It will eventually be seamlessly integrated throughout the Pi ecosystem, such as enabling the feature as a developer resource. The unified social profile system of the network will help the ecosystem to be more interconnected that can boost existing utilities and give rise to new utilities, and assist the network to further grow and expand.
Fireside Forum
Regular Art Festivals have been launched with art mediums not limited to visual and graphic design! The Art Festivals in May and June were focused on photography and music, respectively, with incredible participation for each and also enriched the Pioneers experience with more interesting content in the new feed on the app home screen and also on Fireside Forum.
As such festivals were conducted on the Fireside Forum, numerous improvements on the app were made, such as improving the algorithm that chooses posts for the main app feed.
We’re continuing to improve decentralized moderation on Fireside Forum after feedback from Pioneers and moderators, so everyone can enjoy a fully decentralized social experience where you will be able to select and moderate content based on the community guidelines.
Upcoming Initiatives Essential for Open Network
Enact 6 Month KYC Grace Period and the rolling 6-month window
As defined and clarified in the 2021 Whitepaper, a 6-month KYC grace period and a rolling 6-month window is necessary for getting the network ready for Open Network. As part of the preparation for Open Network, we will enact the 6-month KYC grace period and the rolling 6-month window on July 1st, 2024 with specifications on the design to accommodate corner cases of delays caused by the system and the requirement of initial KYC application submitted within the first 3 months and achieving full KYC status and migration within 6 months.
It is time to enact this grace period and the rolling window, because the network needs to go to Open Network in 2024, and because the KYC and migration process for the majority of the network already work, and with additional flexibility built in the design to accommodate people who are stuck due to the system in this process, the enactment of this would only lead to positive results in our speed in achieving KYC and migration goals for Open Network.
Putting the 6-month KYC grace period and rolling window in practice will strike a balance between giving Pioneers adequate time to pass KYC and migrate while creating enough urgency for people to pass KYC that will accelerate our progress in the Open Network conditions and will also help Pioneers getting more of their Referral and Security Circle bonuses verified and migrated. It will also prevent unverified Pi beyond the rolling six-month KYC period from migrating to the Mainnet, thus creating too much uncertainty for the Open Network and network planning that is unfavorable to the network and all Pioneers, and instead freeing it up for mining by other KYC’ed Pioneers in the future.
During this six month period, Pioneers must take all available actions to complete KYC and Mainnet migration.
We’ll release details and a full explanation soon, but it is important to note that being stuck in KYC or Mainnet migrations due to specific system reasons will not count against a Pioneer’s six months. Our goal is to ensure that all Pioneers, who can take actions now to progress in this process on their own, do so as soon as possible, and all real, human Pioneers successfully transition to the Mainnet, and that any Pi earned by scriptors, bots, or abandoned accounts is not migrated to the Mainnet and is instead freed up to real Pioneers to mine in the future.
Testnet and Mainnet blockchains preparation
As explained in the recent Node updates blog, to prepare Nodes for the Open Network, in addition to version synchronization and upgrades, it’s essential to create a mechanism that allows Nodes to switch between the Testnet and Mainnet blockchains. A new Testnet is created to develop and test this network switching mechanism that will be used when nodes need to transition into Mainnet. This ensures that both the Node application and its backends can handle operations on either blockchain, providing a smooth transition from Testnet to Mainnet. Read the Node updates blog to learn more about the upcoming Testnet changes, the transition and testing plan, and more information about Node operations and best practices.
Second and Future Migrations
Second and future Mainnet balance migrations are being worked on and on the way! The most important thing while eligible Pioneers wait for a second migration is to ensure their wallets are secure. In the meantime, getting more of your Referral team and Security Circle members to get KYC’ed, especially considering the 6-month grace period and rolling window, will make the second and future migrations more meaningful. The more members of your team complete KYC, the more bonuses mined in your mobile balance attributed to them will get included in your second and future Mainnet migrations.
Pi Community Initiatives
Building a strong community within Pi Network is crucial for enhancing the platform’s resilience and ensuring its long-term success. By cultivating a culture where Pioneers feel connected and peer-supported, we can lay the groundwork for a robust network that can withstand any challenges that might arise in the future.
Community initiatives are opportunities for social interaction and foster collaboration and innovation, allowing Pioneers to contribute to the network’s utility and growth. The time and resources put into these initiatives are essential for a healthy Open Network.
A network is as strong and connected as its participants. And, in developing strong communal attitudes and unity amongst one another, Pioneers are further prepared to overcome any obstacles and shape a sustainable future. In the Web3 future of decentralization, we’re built to connect, and Pi’s commitment to organizing and supporting community initiatives including social events within Pi Network is a reflection of this.
Participate in such community festivities and learn more below!
Progress to Open Network Challenge
This Pi2Day, Pioneers can contribute to building community simply by having fun. Join the Pi2Day Progress to Open Network Challenge, where you can be the first to see new features, explore the Pi ecosystem, receive unique in-app prizes, and help progress toward Open Network.
This exciting opportunity is only available for two weeks, so don’t miss your chance to join fellow Pioneers in making this Pi2Day a milestone in our journey to the Open Network. Learn the event instructions here and participate in the Pi2Day Challenge on the app home screen!
Upcoming Utility Growth Hackathon
In an upcoming hackathon, we’ll be looking for developers to create innovative apps focused on growing the community and ecosystem through PiNet! Hackathons are a fun and mutually beneficial way to grow the utilities on Pi Network, thus helping to propel the network toward Open Network. This hackathon will be focused on growth, so stay tuned for the full announcement and design prototype.
Pi Commerce Apps: PiFest
After the smashing success of the PiFest event in December 2023 which saw thousand of Pioneers and Merchants around the globe transacting in Pi in their local economies, PiFest is coming back in the near future, but this time with an exciting twist: Pioneers will be able to use the Pi Commerce Apps created by the Pi Commerce Hackathon participants to list and find local stores! This will be a great step forward in Pi’s integration with local commerce worldwide. Watch out for details and a full event announcement in the coming months.
A Final Note on Open Network
There’s a lot of work and excitement ahead of Pi Network’s upcoming launch to Open Network!
Overall, Pi will be best prepared for success at Open Network because of our long-term strategies in building real world, scalable, and lasting utilities. The Enclosed Network period for Pi is a strategic choice, aimed at crafting a robust ecosystem without the distractions and pressures of external factors.
Pioneers have been dedicated to building utility within the network for years. Pi2Day is the perfect time to both push the community further towards Open Network and take a moment to think more deeply about what Pi will look like when the network opens.
When Pi is part of a broader ecosystem, we’re bound to see cool new uses and applications. Eventually, Pi can be connected with other cryptocurrency apps and utilities, as well as with any other traditional ecosystems (like brick and mortar Pi commerce transactions!), and anything else that Pioneers and Pi developers can imagine and make happen.
We know this wait has felt long to Pioneers, but this wait has been purposeful. And as that wait nears an end we’re proud of the project we’re preparing to release to Open Network.
