Pi Network has introduced a groundbreaking new feature, “.pi domain,” as part of its ecosystem expansion. This article provides a thorough explanation of the details of this innovative domain system, the auction process, and its future potential.

What is the Pi Network .pi Domain?

The .pi domain is a unique domain extension officially announced by Pi Network on “Pi Day,” March 14, 2025. Similar to .com, .net, .org, etc., used in the traditional internet, it functions as an address in the digital space, but it is specifically intended for use within the Pi Network ecosystem.

Nicolas Kokkalis, founder of Pi Network, stated about this domain system, “Just as traditional domains shaped the internet, .pi domains have the potential to transform how we connect, interact, and build within and outside our digital space.”

Differences from Traditional Domains

While .pi domains function similarly to traditional domains in their basic capacity, there are several key differences:

• Web3 Environment: .pi domains function as digital identities or storefronts within the social network of Web3.
• Blockchain Technology: The acquisition process (auction and bidding) utilizes blockchain technology, with payment accepted only in Pi coins.
• Access Method: Primarily accessible directly via Pi Browser or compatible services. Accessible through general browsers (like Chrome or Safari) via the “.pinet.com” extension.

Details of the Auction System

Pi Network employs an auction format for the distribution of .pi domains. This auction began on March 14, 2025, and is scheduled to end on June 28, 2025 (Pi2day).

Key features of the auction:

• The highest bidder for a domain acquires exclusive usage rights for that domain.
• Multiple domains can be bid on simultaneously.
• If a new bid is placed within the final 24 hours of a domain auction, the auction for that domain is automatically extended by 24 hours.

Current Auction Status

According to Pi Network’s official blog announcement, there has been astonishing participation within just one week of the auction’s start:

• Over 200,000 bids
• Over 40,000 unique bidders
• Valid bids on over 95,000 domains
• Total valid bids in the auction exceed 2.9 million Pi
• The highest bid amount is 30,000 Pi

Domains bearing the names of famous companies such as amazon.pi, facebook.pi, google.pi, and samsung.pi are attracting particular attention. High bids have already been placed on these domains, with bids as high as 30,000 Pi observed.

Pi Network Domain Auction: Over 200,000 Bids and Developer Program Outlook

How to Use .pi Domains and Future Potential

.pi domains can be utilized for various purposes within the Pi Network, including businesses, applications, and personal branding. Specific use cases include:

• Accessing Pi-based applications
• Building online storefronts
• Distributing digital content
• Establishing personal branding and online presence

Many Pi community members believe that .pi domains have the potential to hold value similar to .com domains in the past. Acquiring these domains early could result in valuable digital assets in the future.

Accessibility Concerns and Solutions

Some community members have raised concerns regarding the accessibility of .pi domains outside the Pi ecosystem. A challenge is that .pi domains operate entirely within Pi’s blockchain environment and thus cannot be accessed directly by traditional browsers.

To address this concern, Pi Network offers the following solutions:

• Access via Pi Browser
• Access from general browsers through the “pinet.com” extension (e.g., “joe.pi” can be accessed as “joe.pinet.com”)
• Potential for expanded compatibility with other wallets and browsers in the future

However, Pi Network has explicitly stated that there is no guarantee that .pi domains will be adopted by traditional browsers.

Developer Domain Reservation Policy

Pi Network provides special consideration for existing Pi community app developers. Apps that comply with the Ecosystem Listing Guidelines and complete the PiNet migration by May 28, 2025, can secure a domain without participating in the auction.

This measure aims to support developers who have contributed to the long-term development of the Pi ecosystem and promote the continued growth of the ecosystem.

Use of Auction Revenue

Pi Network has announced that all Pi coins obtained from the sale of .pi domains will be used to support the Pi ecosystem, including developer programs and events. This ensures that the funds collected through the auction are reinvested into the overall development of the ecosystem.

Trademark and Copyright Concerns

The auction of domains bearing famous brand names such as google.pi has also raised concerns regarding trademarks and copyrights. Pi Network has published the “Auction Domain Name Issuance Disclosure and Policy” document, providing official information regarding compliance, trademarks, rights, and more.

Regarding a long-term solution to this issue and the possibility of these companies actually seeking their own-branded .pi domains, future developments will need to be closely monitored.

Significance for the Pi Network Ecosystem

The introduction of .pi domains is a significant milestone in Pi Network’s ecosystem expansion strategy. This feature is expected to have the following effects:

• Increase in practical use cases for Pi coins
• Standardization of branding and identification within the ecosystem
• Promotion of developer and user participation in the ecosystem
• Long-term value creation and demand increase for Pi coins

While many cryptocurrency projects focus on short-term price increases and exchange listings, Pi Network is characterized by its focus on building a practical ecosystem.

Conclusion

Pi Network’s .pi domain is an innovative initiative that means more than just a domain extension. By integrating blockchain technology with traditional internet infrastructure, it proposes a new form of digital identity.

The high participation rate and interest in the auction indicate the Pi Network community’s expectations for ecosystem development. How .pi domains will contribute to the growth of the Pi Network ecosystem in the future, and how they will coexist with traditional internet domain systems, will be an important indicator for the development of Web3.

Pi Network users are encouraged to consider taking advantage of this new feature and participate in the growth of the ecosystem.