There is provided an information processing apparatus including an execution unit for executing an application, a threshold value setting unit for setting, according to the running application, a threshold value which determines a timing of changing an operational state of the external device, a first detection unit for detecting an input signal, and a first transmission and reception unit for exchanging information with an external device. Moreover, there is provided the external device including a second transmission and reception unit for exchanging information with the information processing apparatus, a second detection unit for detecting an input signal, a determination unit for determining whether or not to change the operational state of the external device from the threshold value based on the detection result, and a change processing unit for changing the operational state of the external device based on the determination result.