A self-configuring wearable self-contained module comprising: a display, a processor, a memory (106, 108), and a battery; the self-configuring wearable self-contained module configured to: gather and use information from a plurality of sources including at least one sensor (110, 112, 114, 116); determine, based on the information gathered, a user's activity and context; detect an accessory type and a theme associated with an accessory when the self-contained module is physically coupled to the accessory, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of a watch band, a watch case, a lanyard, and a clip; based on the accessory type and at least one of the user activity and context, automatically activate at least one of an operational mode, one or more applications and the at least one sensor; and self-configure the at least one operational mode and the one or more applications based on the detected accessory type and the theme, wherein according to the accessory type, some operational modes are enabled while other modes are disabled, and the self-contained module further comprises intelligent situational awareness derived from at least one of pre-programmed criteria which includes sensing ability, user specified lifestyle theme, a communication functionality, accessory, and user motion pattern, wherein activating the at least one of an operational mode comprises: a sports mode of operation wherein applications that are relevant when a user is performing an athletic activity are activated, and other applications are shut down to conserve power and computing resources. a display, a processor, a memory (106, 108), and a battery; the self-configuring wearable self-contained module configured to: gather and use information from a plurality of sources including at least one sensor (110, 112, 114, 116); determine, based on the information gathered, a user's activity and context; detect an accessory type and a theme associated with an accessory when the self-contained module is physically coupled to the accessory, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of a watch band, a watch case, a lanyard, and a clip; based on the accessory type and at least one of the user activity and context, automatically activate at least one of an operational mode, one or more applications and the at least one sensor; and self-configure the at least one operational mode and the one or more applications based on the detected accessory type and the theme, gather and use information from a plurality of sources including at least one sensor (110, 112, 114, 116); determine, based on the information gathered, a user's activity and context; detect an accessory type and a theme associated with an accessory when the self-contained module is physically coupled to the accessory, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of a watch band, a watch case, a lanyard, and a clip; based on the accessory type and at least one of the user activity and context, automatically activate at least one of an operational mode, one or more applications and the at least one sensor; and self-configure the at least one operational mode and the one or more applications based on the detected accessory type and the theme, wherein according to the accessory type, some operational modes are enabled while other modes are disabled, and the self-contained module further comprises intelligent situational awareness derived from at least one of pre-programmed criteria which includes sensing ability, user specified lifestyle theme, a communication functionality, accessory, and user motion pattern, wherein activating the at least one of an operational mode comprises: a sports mode of operation wherein applications that are relevant when a user is performing an athletic activity are activated, and other applications are shut down to conserve power and computing resources.