A user to control the functionality associated with a physical input object for an augmented reality (AR) application. A state control element of a user interface can be displayed through the AR application, and motions of the input object analyzed with respect to element. This can comprise swiping in a first or second direction to cause the physical object to function, or not to function, as a cursor for the user interface. In this way, interactions of the physical object with AR elements will only be analyzed when the object is functioning as a cursor. Foveated rendering or other AR elements can be used during a selection period to provide an indication that an element of the UI interface is in the process of being selected. The user can maintain the position to perform the selection action is intended, or can change the position to cancel the selection.