A
wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a
cellular telephone, includes automatic on / off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the
headset or placing it upon the user's body, the
wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an
active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to
motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal
timer allows the
wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional
sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the
sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep. In sleep, the headset periodically monitors for a
signal from the separate communications device. Upon detection of such a
signal, the wireless headset transitions to its
active state, thereby providing full functionality to the user.