Well I'm not so sure it will become *the* currency of the new age--too many large organizations profit from government-backed currency, simply because it's government-backed.  Bitcoin necessarily won't become government-endorsed anytime soon, because by it's nature, it can't be easily taxed. 

That being said, Bitcoin is the go-to currency for those who want to be anonymous, and at this point, I'd say it's a damn good investment if one is careful and willing to take a risk on it.

Hell, the USD value of my BTC funds jumped up like $500 today, so you won't see me complaining about it!  There is clearly a decent enough demand for it, and I don't see that demand going away, pretty much ever, from the way it looks now.