37. Computerized information and display apparatus, comprising: a wireless network interface; processing apparatus in data communication with the network interface; a display device; a data interface in data communication with the processing apparatus and configured to transfer data between the computerized information and display apparatus and a portable electronic device placed in data communication with the data interface; and a storage apparatus comprising at least one computer program, said at least one program being configured to, when executed: obtain digitized speech generated based on speech received from a user, the digitized speech relating to a desired action which the user wishes to perform; and cause, based at least in part on the digitized speech, access of a network entity to cause performance of the desired action; wherein the computerized information and display apparatus is further configured to: receive information obtained via the access of the network entity via the wireless network interface; and provide at least a portion of the received information to the portable electronic device via the data interface; and wherein the computerized information and display apparatus further comprises: computerized logic configured to cause remote actuation of one or more functions associated with a premises; and input apparatus in data communication with the computerized logic and configured to receive a user input; wherein the computerized logic is configured to, when executed, display on the display device one or more display elements corresponding to the one or more functions; receive via the input device at least one input corresponding to a user's selection of at least one of the one or more display elements; and transmit data relating to the at least one input via the wireless network interface to cause actuation at the premises of one or more functions corresponding to the selected at least one display element.
40. The computerized information and display apparatus of claim 37 , wherein the input device and the display device are substantially integrated into a common touch screen input and display device, and the receipt via the input device at least one input corresponding to a user's selection of at least one of the one or more display elements comprises the user touching the appropriate one or more display elements on a screen of the touch screen input and display device.