One alt coin has come much closer than any other -- Ethereum

[ProfessionalGoogler]

http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/observations/2016/04/ethereum-competitor-bitcoin-which-could-transform-entire-industries

One has come much closer than any other, though: Ethereum, which was launched in the summer of 2015.

Its uses are far more complex than Bitcoin’s, and potentially world-changing.

http://www.newsbtc.com/2016/04/17/ethereum-making-waves-education-internet-things/

Internet of things is a revolutionary concept which seems to lean towards using the Ethereum blockchain over Bitcoin’s offering.

Tons of data will be collected and transmitted among the devices powering the Internet of Things.

Communication between Internet of Things devices goes much further than recognizing each other on the Internet. Millions of devices will establish relationships online, and managing everything will require technology that is not only scalable but also easy enough to understand for everyday people.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Bitcoin was initially touted as a currency, but no one ended up spending it.  It's best use is as a store of value, or a darkweb currency.   So it can certainly coexist with ethereum.  ETH isn't going to be a currency or digital gold.