Android custom orientation handler

Orientation on an Android device is never nice to look at. I am looking for a way to be able to preferably receive a signal from the OS, or else read it from the sensors, which would tell me that the screen has been rotated. I could then make the transition smoother by rotating the components on the screen instead of Android resetting the graphics device.

Is there a way to receive such a signal and stop Android from handing the orientation change?

I haven't found anything along these lines from my searching but would be grateful for your input and any links you might have.