what's next for Bitcoin?

what's next for Bitcoin?: The protocol seems solid, no bugs, and more features are under development. The network...

I understand the developer-types are highly focused on technical improvements, and I hope they stay that way. From a non-developer point of view, here's how I see the next steps (occurring over the next year or so): 1) Easier/faster ways to pay in and pay out from Bitcoin in many countries. BitInstant has a pretty good solution thus far (cash deposits) but it is not ideal, and only available in a few countries. The expansion of these pay in and pay out options is essential (and BitInstant has some exciting developments in the pipeline). 2) As #1 occurs, the ability for Bitcoin to fill several niche markets becomes realistic. Gaming/gambling/adult industry/etc. These are massive markets in and of themselves but are restrained from growth by limitations of #1 above. 3) As the niche uses are demonstrated in #2, "the world" will start understanding Bitcoin's value proposition....

Full article: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=94390.0