Method and Apparatus for Voice Control User Interface with Discreet Operating Mode

A method comprising:

• operating a voice control interface engine of an electronic device in a first mode operative to receive a speech command from a first distance and produce, in response to the speech command, an audible output at a first output level;
• detecting, with one or more motion detectors operable with one or more processors of the electronic device to determine a spatial orientation of the electronic device in three-dimensional space, a predefined user input comprising a lifting of the electronic device from a first elevation to a second elevation;
• and
• causing, with the one or more processors, the voice control interface engine to transition to a second mode operative to receive the speech command from a second distance and produce, in response to the speech command, the audible output at a second output level;
• the second distance less than the first distance and the second output level less than the first output level.