I0C's price has risen about 300% in the last month. Perhaps I0C provides a good alternative blockchain from which to build decentralised applications akin to counterparty and mastercoin as its network has some of the highest hash rates after Bitcoin.
Perhaps someone's noticed this 'value' and is buying all the coins in advance of launching a service.
Just a thought...
Let's hope so. Someone has definitely taken notice.
It's about time.