Steve, for security systems you can already log into your system remotely over the internet to set and check all of the system. This includes being able to view the live video feeds from security cameras. They can also ring your mobile if the alarm is set off. Although personally I think it would be quite worrying to log into your house's security cameras and see some burglars robbing you, or maybe worse... your wife having it off with the milkman!
I personally don't see the fully automated house becoming the standard way of living for all. A lot of people wouldn't want it or don't need it. How many people really want to be able to control the washing machine and cooker via the internet?
The other issue is security. Imagine if your house was completely automated and controlled by a computer that could be accessed remotely via the internet. That would be a prime hacker target. You could end up seeing house virus infections that set the gas cooker to turn all of the gas rings on and not light them, and then a few minutes later switch the lights on in the house and... BOOM!!! Imagine the house insurance claim for that! My house blew up because it caught a virus!
Would we end up arguing if the Windows or Mac house was better to live in?