Pi Network rolls out 4 developer updates ahead of November summit

Pi Network has released four updates covering app development, token tracking, AI-assisted software packaging, and identity verification ahead of its Nov. 17--19 Ecosystem Summit.

Summary

• Developers can manage app settings through a redesigned portal with a dedicated configuration section.
• Pi BlockExplorer now displays historical prices for Launchpad Testnet tokens, including SLICE against Test-Pi.
• SoloHost's new AI skill helps developers prepare existing applications for distribution through Pi Desktop.
• PiVerify has added face uniqueness and further liveness checks for businesses using its identity services.

Pi Network's Oct. 29 announcement describes changes for developers building Pi applications, software publishers using SoloHost and businesses seeking identity checks for their customers.

The release follows its first Ecosystem Summit announcement, which outlined three days of online presentations, application demonstrations and discussions with developers. New platform announcements and details of another hackathon are scheduled for the event.

Pi Network reorganizes app setup for developers

Inside the Developer Portal, a dedicated App Configuration section has replaced the previous onboarding checklist. Developers can manage domains, API keys, app wallets, and privacy information from the same area.

Navigation now provides clearer routes to services including Pi Sign-In, Ecosystem Listing, PiNet and the Pi Ad Network, according to the team.

The changes build on a September developer release that introduced local storage for selected Pi Browser applications, access to app-specific staking data and file-sharing functions.

For approved applications, local storage lets preferences and session information remain on a user's device. Pi said the data stays off its servers, although it remains tied to the particular account and device and does not automatically follow users across devices.

The September release placed documentation on a single Pi-owned domain, bringing together resources previously spread across SDK documentation, a community guide and GitHub. Its guidance covers registration, sandbox development, authentication, payments, and preparing an application for Mainnet.

SoloHost adds AI-assisted app packaging

For developers bringing existing software to Pi Desktop, the new SoloHost skill accepts a public Docker image and helps prepare the files needed to submit an application.

Supported coding assistants include Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex. After asking which capabilities the application needs, the assistant generates and validates two configuration files, according to Pi.

The packaging feature follows Desktop 0.6.4, which removed the need to configure a home router when accessing supported SoloHost applications remotely.

In its Oct. 22 release notes, Pi explained that users can reach applications running on their computers through Pi Browser on their phones. Remote access remains optional, and existing users can select "Reconnect" to move to the new connection method.

The desktop release introduced checks on application access to files and networks. Pi said checks run when software is published, before installation, and whenever it starts, helping restrict access to unrelated computer files, other applications, and Pi Node data.

Launchpad price charts cover Testnet assets

Pi BlockExplorer's price-history feature covers Launchpad Testnet tokens such as SLICE, with values shown against Test-Pi. Public access does not require a Pi account or Pi Browser.

The team explicitly states that these experimental tokens "will never go on Mainnet." Future Mainnet tokens are expected to appear in the same interface once that functionality is released.

Under the Launchpad model described in the announcement, Pi proceeds from token launches go into a liquidity pool paired with the ecosystem token, rather than being collected by the issuing project.

Pi's October summit announcement reports more than 300 Mainnet applications, alongside over 420,000 Nodes and 18.1 million fully KYC-verified users.

As crypto.news previously examined, the app count does not establish how many people regularly use each product or complete payments. The latest developer announcement provides no active-developer total or comparable series showing app growth.

PiVerify expands checks for outside businesses

PiVerify's new face uniqueness checks are designed to help businesses detect potentially duplicate identities. Further liveness checks allow clients to request verification after a customer's initial identity check.

According to the team, third-party businesses pay in Pi to use the service, which draws on verification technology developed for the network's KYC system.

The Oct. 29 announcement does not specify how participating businesses handle biometric records, how long information is retained, or which customer data they receive.

During November's summit, Pi plans to present company and community applications, demonstrate developer tools and hold discussions between builders and the Core Team. Its event announcement says hackathon details will be introduced during the sessions.