An example apparatus and methods detect how a portable (e.g., handheld) device (e.g., phone, tablet) is gripped (e.g., held, supported). Detecting the grip may include detecting and characterizing touch points for fingers, thumbs, palms, or surfaces that are involved in supporting and positioning the apparatus. Example apparatus and methods may determine whether and how an apparatus is being held and then may exercise control based on the grip detection. For example, a display on an input / output interface may be reconfigured, physical controls (e.g., push buttons) on the apparatus may be remapped,
user interface elements may be repositioned, resized, or repurposed, portions of the input / output interface may be desensitized or hyper-sensitized, virtual controls may be remapped, or other actions may be taken. Touch sensors may detect the pressure with which a
smart phone is being gripped and produce control events (e.g., on / off, louder / quieter, brighter /
dimmer, press and hold) based on the pressure.