content: A regular light switch can't play music, can't be used as an intercom, can't play videos, can't be controlled by voice. can't be configured (easily) to do any of the aforementioned things from another room. Also, a regular light switch can't, with the help of a hub, know that my cell phone has entered the home wifi zone thus automatically turning on the porch light if it's dark out. Oh, I forgot to mention I am a total nerd who likes technology.