Methods and apparatuses are presented for controlling an application on a device. In some embodiments, a method may include detecting that a user is maintaining an object or gesture at a position hovering near the device for a threshold length of time. The method may also include anchoring an initial position of the object or gesture to the device based on the detection of the maintained position, and controlling the application using the anchored initial position. In some embodiments, controlling the application using the anchored initial position may include manipulating the application based on detecting within a stable zone associated with the anchored initial position a change in height of the gesture or object relative to the device, and not manipulating the application whenever the object or gesture is detected to move along a plane above and parallel to the device and within the stable zone.