Introduction: Pi Network Takes Another Step Forward! What’s New in This Update?
Pi Network, which is gaining attention for its easy participation via smartphone. Two important updates have been announced that will further improve its ecosystem and convenience. This article will explain the newly added apps and the safer and easier account recovery method in an easy-to-understand way, even for Pi Network beginners. Let’s take a look together at what these changes mean for us Pioneers (Pioneers: This refers to Pi Network users!) and what they mean! Let’s explore together!
This article is a summary and explanation of the official blog post. https://minepi.com/blog/ecosystem-and-product-updates/
What is the Pi Network “Ecosystem”? Why is it Important?
You might often hear the term “ecosystem” when talking about Pi Network, but it might be hard to grasp exactly what it means. But don’t worry! Here, we will gently explain what the ecosystem in Pi Network refers to and why it is important for the growth of the entire network, using analogies. Once you understand this, you will be able to understand the significance of this update more deeply.
“Ecosystem” = The “Expansion of the World” Where Pi Can Actually Be Used
The ecosystem in Pi Network, simply put, refers to the “entire environment where the digital currency Pi can actually be used, and various services and applications based on Pi can operate“. For example, the smartphones we use every day are convenient not only for their phone function but also because they have many apps (applications) for games, social media, shopping, etc. The world where many of those apps gather is like the “ecosystem” of a smartphone.
Similarly, in Pi Network, the value of the entire Pi Network increases not just by holding Pi coins, but by the growth of places where you can buy things, use services, or have new experiences using those Pi coins.
Why is it good when apps and services increase? What is Utility Improvement?
The biggest advantage of increasing apps and services within the ecosystem is the improvement of utility (practicality). Utility means “being useful” or “being usable”. An increase in Pi Network’s utility means that Pi coins evolve from being something you “just hold” to something that is “actually useful in daily life and business situations”. For example, there are the following benefits:
- For Pioneers: As more games that can be enjoyed using Pi become available, and stores where you can buy what you want appear, the benefits of holding Pi become tangible.
- For Developers: The opportunity for many Pioneers to use the apps they created expands, increasing the appeal as a place to realize new ideas.
- For the entire Pi Network: More people will become involved in the Pi Network, the network will be activated, and the possibility of Pi’s value stabilizing and increasing will rise.
This update is directly related to this “ecosystem expansion” and “utility improvement”.
[Update 1] New Friends Appear in the Pi Mainnet Ecosystem! What Apps Were Added?
One of the highlights of this update, the Pi Mainnet Ecosystem Interface introduces the new apps added to it. Just like new apps lining up in a smartphone app store, it’s exciting to see what more can be done in the world of Pi Network. What specific types of apps have been added, and how will they enrich our Pi experience?
What’s the Lineup of Apps Added This Time? (Snake Game, E-commerce, etc.)
According to the official blog, this time, 5 community apps have been added to the Mainnet Ecosystem Interface. Specifically,
- The nostalgic Snake Game app
- An E-commerce (electronic commerce) app that is expected to allow product purchases using Pi
- An app that provides information about Pi tokens
and others seem to be included. These are expected to be useful for Pioneers to enjoy entertainment within the Pi Network, expand the places where Pi can actually be used as a means of exchange, and deepen their knowledge about Pi.
These apps can be checked by tapping “Ecosystem” from the Pi Browser. Since Pi Network is a project that grows with the community, various apps are expected to appear in the future. It might be a good idea to check the Ecosystem Interface within the Pi Browser occasionally.
I tried running the Snake Game. The controls are simple and easy to play. It seems like you can get prizes (pi) if you join Premium and rank high? I will write an article if I find out more details.
Three Good Things New Apps Bring to the Ecosystem
Adding new apps is not just about “having more things to play with”. The following positive effects can be expected for the entire Pi Network ecosystem.
- Improved Pioneer Experience: With more apps available, Pioneers can enjoy the Pi Network in more diverse ways, increasing their motivation to participate in the network.
- Good Stimulation for Developers: When new apps start operating, it becomes a stimulus for other developers, making them think “I should try making an app like this too!”, leading to improved quality and diversification of apps throughout the ecosystem.
- Demonstration of Pi’s Practical Value: Being able to exchange Pi for actual goods and services, like with an e-commerce app, is a very important step that concretely demonstrates Pi’s “practical value”.
Good to Know: The Meaning of the List Not Being All Apps
Here’s one point to note. The apps listed in the Mainnet Ecosystem Interface are selected based on meeting the quality standards and guidelines set by Pi Network, but this does not mean they are all the Mainnet-compatible apps that exist on the Pi Network. In reality, there seem to be many more apps by third parties (developers other than the Pi Network core team), and there are also directory apps (like listing sites) that introduce them.
This can be seen as a sign that Pi Network aims to create an environment where diverse apps can easily emerge while maintaining the quality of the ecosystem. As a Pioneer, while the officially listed apps offer a certain level of reassurance, it is important to carefully check the information yourself when using other apps.
[Update 2] Feel Secure Even in Case of Emergency! Account Recovery Method Becomes More User-Friendly and Safe
“Oh, what was my password…?” Even in such a common “oops” moment that can happen to anyone, you can feel more secure with Pi Network. This time, a new option has been added to the account password recovery method, making it smoother and safer to regain access to your account. Let’s take a detailed look at how it has been improved.
How Did It Change? “Password Reset via Email” is Now Possible!
With this update, if Pioneers have previously set a trusted email address for their account, a password reset link can be sent to that email address. This means that in addition to the traditional recovery methods, a more convenient option has been added.
By selecting the “Forgot Password” option, you will be able to proceed with this new email-based recovery process.
Compared to Previous Methods, What Has Become More Convenient and Safer?
Pi Network has previously offered account recovery methods primarily through linking with a Facebook account or authentication using SMS (Short Message Service) with a registered phone number. With the addition of the email recovery option, the following benefits can be considered.
- Improved Accessibility: Even if you are in an environment where SMS is difficult to receive, or if phone number authentication is difficult for some reason, if you can receive emails, the path to account recovery is open. Email is relatively stable and usable in most countries and regions, making it a more accessible method for many Pioneers.
- Reduced Cost and Effort: Issues such as additional charges for receiving international SMS or SMS not being delivered due to carrier problems can be more easily avoided with email. It is generally a simpler and less expensive method for users.
- Security Maintenance: Sending a link to a trusted email address is one of the widely used and secure account recovery methods. Pi Network aims to enhance convenience while ensuring security through this implementation.
The Importance of Protecting Account Access
The Pi we have mined on Pi Network is a valuable digital asset. Losing access to the account where that asset is stored is something we definitely want to avoid. Password management is certainly important, but having multiple ways to safely and reliably recover your account in case you forget your password also contributes to the project’s reliability.
This update can be said to be a steady but very important improvement for us Pioneers to continue using Pi Network with peace of mind.
The Future of Pi Network Seen from This Update
The addition of new apps and the enhancement of the account recovery function. These two updates can be said to be proof that Pi Network is steadily evolving into a more attractive and reliable platform for users. Why not take a moment to think about how these small steps will connect to the big future of Pi Network?
Pi Network is not just a digital currency project; it places great importance on creating the “place” (ecosystem) where the currency is actually used. The addition of apps this time is a concrete move to enrich that “place” and increase the experience of Pioneers “using” Pi. And the enhancement of the account recovery function can be said to be a move to solidify the foundation for Pioneers to act with peace of mind in that “place”.
These movements indicate a steady progress towards the “more accessible and practical digital currency and its ecosystem for more people” that Pi Network aims for. Even if big changes are not immediately visible, it is possible that the accumulation of such improvements will lead to the transition to a future Open Mainnet (a more open network phase) and further widespread adoption of Pi.
Summary: Can’t Take Your Eyes Off the Evolving Pi Network! What We Can Do
This time, we have taken a detailed look at two important updates related to the expansion of the Pi Network ecosystem and improved convenience. It’s very exciting that Pi Network is evolving every day and that we Pioneers can experience that growth together.
To summarize the key points this time:
- New apps have been added, increasing what can be done on Pi Network! (Ecosystem Growth)
- Even if you forget your account password, you have more options to recover it via email, providing peace of mind! (Improved Convenience and Safety)
These updates show that Pi Network continues to evolve into a more user-friendly and practical platform. Even business professionals who are interested in new technologies and trends but feel unsure where to start might be able to get a feel for the movements of the new era by following the progress of projects like Pi Network.
What we Pioneers can do is first of all, keep up with such official information and understand the direction Pi Network is aiming for. And when new features or apps appear, it might be a good idea to try them out while paying attention to safety (of course, use them at your own risk!).
The Pi Network journey is still ongoing. Let’s continue our daily mining and watch its growth, expecting further developments in the future, with this update as one step. With a sense of understanding, “Ah, I see!” and a desire to learn, “I want to know more,” and “I want to try it,” Why not explore a new future with Pi Network?