A technique for controlling objects includes a handheld controller that provides output for generating a virtual ray. The virtual ray has a location and a direction. The location of the virtual ray is measured as a location of the handheld controller, based on input from sensors in the surrounding space. As a user moves and/or rotates the handheld controller, the virtual ray sweeps through space, intersecting various objects. When the virtual ray intersects with the location of a controllable object whose identity and location are known, the handheld controller identifies the object and accepts remote-control input from the user for controlling that object. Using the handheld controller, the user may control any controllable object having a known identity and location in space, and may control virtual as well as physical objects.