The disclosure provides for an audio accessory that includes earbuds or earphones, an input device, and a processor. The input device includes a first button and optionally includes additional buttons or touch sensors. The processor is configured to initiate an action when a first input is received at the first button, provide audio updates when a second input is received at the first button, and prepare the input device to receive audio input when a third input is received at the first button. Also, the processor is configured to silence a currently playing audio message and initiate playing a next audio message when a fourth input is received at one of the buttons or the touch sensors, and silence and mark the currently playing audio message for no further playback when a fifth input is received at one of the buttons or the touch sensors.