A proximity sensor device and method is provided that facilitates improved device usability by providing a at least one control function prior to the specialized host software loading, and then switch to provide full range of functionality when the specialized host software has been loaded. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor device comprises a proximity sensor adapted to detect object presence and a controller configured to output simulated keyboard information and output object positional information. For example, when operating in a first mode prior to the specialized host software loading the controller outputs the simulated keyboard information that indicates a control function to a keyboard controller. Then, when operating in a second mode after the specialized host software has been loaded, the controller outputs object positional information to the keyboard controller. The object positional information can be used to provide a full range of user interface functions.