A method comprises receiving a signal containing an environmental cue; correlating the environmental cue to a user interface control element; and generating a user interface control command based on the environmental cue. A device may be controlled by receiving a visual image, processing the image to identify a visual cue, correlating the visual cue with a user interface control, and controlling the device using the user interface control. The visual image may be received from a camera that is part of an automobile, and the user interface control may include a control for a radio to tune to a radio station; a speed control for controlling a speed of the automobile corresponding to a speed sign visual cue; or a navigation system control for controlling a navigation system based on traffic signs. Other variations include an apparatus and computer-readable media including instructions for performing the methods.