Deep Dive
1. Shannon Upgrade Catalysts (Bullish Impact)
Overview:
The Shannon upgrade (completed 10 Nov 2025) transitioned Pocket Network to a fully decentralized protocol, enabling permissionless API access, stablecoin payments, and AI agent integrations. Tokenomics shifted to a burn/mint model tied to relay volume, reducing inflationary pressure. Partnerships with Cosmos and OverProtocol aim to expand decentralized RPC adoption.
What this means:
Increased relay demand from AI/Web3 apps could boost POKT’s utility, while token burns from usage may tighten supply. Strategic moves into Cosmos (38% node centralization risk) and Korea’s Web3 market via OverProtocol offer growth avenues.
2. AI Integration & Competitive Risks (Mixed Impact)
Overview:
Pocket is exploring AI use cases like decentralized LLM inference and RAG data relays, per forum discussions. However, critics argue cost/performance may lag behind centralized alternatives (e.g., AWS). A dedicated AI working group formed in May 2025 aims to address QoS and partnerships.
What this means:
Success in AI could open a $350B open-data market (Chris Jenkins), but reliance on node operators to host models profitably remains unproven. Delays or technical limitations here may dampen sentiment.
3. Macro Sentiment & Technicals (Bearish Impact)
Overview:
POKT’s 90-day price decline (-58%) aligns with a fearful crypto market (Fear & Greed Index: 25) and low altcoin liquidity (spot volume down 37% MoM). Technicals show resistance at $0.0237 (23.6% Fib) and weak momentum (RSI 14: 43).
What this means:
Broader market recovery is critical for sustained upside. A break above $0.0237 could signal trend reversal, but high BTC dominance (59%) and derivatives leverage ($846B open interest) pose systemic risks.
Conclusion
Pocket Network’s price trajectory depends on Shannon-driven adoption and AI use-case validation, tempered by macro headwinds. Watch relay volume trends post-upgrade and partnerships with AI projects like Katara. Can POKT carve a niche in decentralized data amid Web2 dominance?