Pi Network's token climbed about 6% over the past 24 hours, reaching $0.0910 as traders reacted to a new partnership with RoboPay and the rollout of Protocol 26. The move came amid a broader uptick in crypto markets, though the token has since eased from its intraday high of $0.0953.
The RoboPay deal
Pi Network announced a partnership with RoboPay, a payments platform that will allow users to spend Pi tokens at participating merchants. The integration is seen as a step toward real-world utility for the token, which has long faced questions about its use beyond the app's mining ecosystem. Details on the rollout timeline and merchant list have not been disclosed.
Protocol 26 goes live
Alongside the partnership, Pi Network activated Protocol 26, an upgrade that introduces new smart contract capabilities and improved transaction processing. The update is part of the network's gradual move toward a more open mainnet. Developers said the protocol change would enable faster and cheaper transactions, though the full effects are still being tested.
Market mood
Thursday's trading session was buoyed by a general sense of optimism across crypto markets. Bitcoin and ether both posted gains, and altcoins followed suit. Pi Network's 6% rise outpaced many of its peers, but the token remains well below its all-time highs. The price action suggests traders are cautiously optimistic about the recent developments, but the pullback from the peak indicates some profit-taking.
Pi Network has not announced a specific date for the RoboPay integration to go live, nor has it provided a timeline for further Protocol 26 features. The token's price will likely hinge on how quickly the partnership translates into actual transaction volume. For now, the market is watching for the next update from the core team.
