Determining a motion status of a user of a mobile device

A motion state of a user is detected using at least one sensor of a mobile electronic device 100, the sensor being an electronic compass 110 arranged to output signals based on its orientation. A plurality of signal samples 120 are received from the electronic compass 110, and statistical processing 130 is performed on the plurality of signal samples to determine one of a plurality of motion states. The motion states may comprise at least: a stationary state, a walking state, a running state, and a driving state. The device may further be arranged to determine whether the plurality of signal samples are representative of oscillatory movement. The mobile electronic device 100 may be adapted for use in a wireless communication system.