A method of providing sensor-based information from a sensor device to an application program includes receiving, in a sensor device, sensor data obtained using a sensor. The method includes determining, in the sensor device, whether the sensor data meets a predefined condition associated with an application program in a computer system. If the sensor data meets the predefined condition, the method includes forwarding an event message associated with the predefined condition from the sensor device for receipt by the application program. A sensor device includes a sensor configured to make sensor readings of a physical characteristic, and a data processing component configured to forward, if the sensor data meets the predefined condition, an event message associated with the predefined condition for receipt by the application program. A system includes a computer system configured to execute an application program, a first sensor device and a second sensor device.