"So I'm all in favor of these interesting technologies helping folks out, but I really wish we would step past 'cloud' and into a 'house cluster' which, like yo

"So I'm all in favor of these interesting technologies helping folks out, but I really wish we would step past 'cloud' and into a 'house cluster' which, like your furnace or HVAC system, does the work locally and protects your privacy." This is the model, and it largely already exists. If you're willing to give up the most candy and fluffy of high tech "features" (the ones that break all the time and are of questionable value anyway) you can have a very nice home control system that has no network connectivity and zero wireless emanations. It's also more tasteful. LCD screens in the living area are the new formica.