A method of interfacing with a user, comprising: providing a handheld apparatus (10, 900) in standby mode, wherein the apparatus comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect a user in proximity without physical touch between the user and the apparatus, wherein the proximity sensor is active while the apparatus is in standby mode; while in standby mode, using the proximity sensor to sense the user in proximity of the apparatus by detecting whether the user is within a predetermined range of the apparatus; entering a first phase of a first stillness detection mode of the apparatus responsive to detection of the user in proximity, and activating a motion sensor, if not already active, wherein the apparatus is configured to monitor movement of the apparatus for detecting an initialization movement while the apparatus is in the first phase of the first stillness detection mode; detecting the initialization movement of the apparatus; entering a second phase of the first stillness detection mode upon detection of the initialization movement, and, for a period of time following the initialization movement, continuing to monitor the movement of the apparatus during the second phase of the first stillness detection mode to identify a pattern of stationary states of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the pattern of stationary states by processing motion data and detecting lack of movement of the apparatus for a predetermined period of time following the initialization movement; entering a second stillness detection mode of the apparatus responsive to the detection of lack of movement; and providing a response with the apparatus in the second stillness detection mode, wherein the response includes at least one of providing feedback to the user and a communication between the handheld apparatus (10, 900) and an external apparatus, wherein the response is based, at least in part, on the detected pattern of stationary states of the apparatus during the second stillness detection mode. providing a handheld apparatus (10, 900) in standby mode, wherein the apparatus comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect a user in proximity without physical touch between the user and the apparatus, wherein the proximity sensor is active while the apparatus is in standby mode; while in standby mode, using the proximity sensor to sense the user in proximity of the apparatus by detecting whether the user is within a predetermined range of the apparatus; entering a first phase of a first stillness detection mode of the apparatus responsive to detection of the user in proximity, and activating a motion sensor, if not already active, wherein the apparatus is configured to monitor movement of the apparatus for detecting an initialization movement while the apparatus is in the first phase of the first stillness detection mode; detecting the initialization movement of the apparatus; entering a second phase of the first stillness detection mode upon detection of the initialization movement, and, for a period of time following the initialization movement, continuing to monitor the movement of the apparatus during the second phase of the first stillness detection mode to identify a pattern of stationary states of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the pattern of stationary states by processing motion data and detecting lack of movement of the apparatus for a predetermined period of time following the initialization movement; entering a second stillness detection mode of the apparatus responsive to the detection of lack of movement; and providing a response with the apparatus in the second stillness detection mode, wherein the response includes at least one of providing feedback to the user and a communication between the handheld apparatus (10, 900) and an external apparatus, wherein the response is based, at least in part, on the detected pattern of stationary states of the apparatus during the second stillness detection mode.