A USB hosted sensor module, comprising: a substrate; a sensor mounted on the substrate; and a USB connector extending from the substrate, the USB connector capable of electrically coupling to a USB port of a host device, the USB connector capable of drawing power from the USB port of the host device to provide electrical power to the USB hosted sensor module; and a processing device mounted on the substrate, the processor capable of supporting a first communication channel and a second communication channel, wherein the first communication channel is between the USB hosted sensor module and an external communication device, wherein the second communication channel is between the USB hosted sensor module and the host device.