An electronic device and a telecommunication device that are locally connected and methods of utilizing those devices are described herein. The electronic device detects a pattern or duration of user interactions with a multidirectional control of the electronic device. Based on the pattern or duration and association data mapping patterns or durations to commands, the electronic device selects a command and then transmits the command to the telecommunication device. The telecommunication device enables a user to associate actions to be performed by the telecommunication device with patterns or durations of user interaction with the multidirectional control. Also, the telecommunication device receives a signal from the electronic device that is recognized as a command to perform an action, the recognition being based on association data mapping the signal to a pattern or duration of user interaction. The telecommunication device then performs the action.