That's a good question. Maybe "home automation" isn't exactly the right name for it, because that's just a part of it. It is nice to be able to control things by voice (lights, locks, window shades, music, TV, etc), but to call any of those things "essential" just sounds lazy :)

For me, the Amazon Echo is more about having a connection to the world without looking at a screen. Getting answers to random questions (or utilities like timers), latest traffic conditions for travel, weather, etc are all really great applications for a voice interface. If that could also be combined with a good communication platform (voice calls, text/email messaging, etc), it would be even better.