Described is a method and system that uses visual cues from a computer camera (e.g., webcam) based on presence detection, pose detection and/or gaze detection, to improve a user's computing experience. For example, by determining whether a user is looking at the display or not, better power management is achieved, such as by reducing power consumed by the display when the user is not looking. Voice recognition such as for command and control may be turned on and off based on where the use is looking when speaking. Visual cues may be used alone or in conjunction with other criteria, such as mouse or keyboard input, the current operating context and possibly other data, to make an operating state decision. Interaction detection is improved by determining when the user is interacting by viewing the display, even when not physically interacting via an input device.