The early versions of “computer automation” were clumsy operationally with difficult programming.  Now, it is stunning what we can accomplish through our I- pads.  A while back I had a  service call on a customer’s furnace,  it would not operate.  Everything looked perfect…hmmm.  I programmed in the trouble code section, the furnace told me it had no gas, while all the valves were open.  Outside at the meter, it had been locked off by the utility, as they say,  the last place you look, is what fixes the problem.  What is evolving is the ability of your appliances throughout the home,  to talk to each other, to operate during the lowest cost period for power, anticipate problems, some will e-mail you. When they work as the way they were designed. it is breath taking.