Yes theres really a big changes and it is very amazing but for me btc is not a new currency because till now its not widely used to everyone.It is just a new way of transacting digital money in fast and easier way.
When i think currency what first comes to my mind is bitcoin. Im hoping that someday bitcoin will become a legal currency. Though not now but i im hoping to happen this in the future. As i heard or read in other threads, there are some establishments accepting bitcoin as payment. Though there are some but hopefully it will develop and widely use.