The Bitcoin network cannot calculate the digits of π.[/url] Not at all. Not even one digit. That is the meaning of “
ASIC”. Furthermore, as I mentioned briefly, the algorithms used to set these pi calculation records are I/O-limited, not CPU-limited.
You know, while I'm sure you're completely correct, it wouldn't surprise me if some clever bod found a way to exploit some characteristic of hashing to be able to calculate PI using some tricky methodology.
*ahem* *ahem* primecoin anyone, but that's my wetdream, for BTC to switch POW to something useful instead of SHA256, like sequencing genes SETI etc...