Methods for controlling an augmented reality environment associated with a head-mounted display device (HMD) are described. In some embodiments, a virtual pointer may be displayed to an end user of the HMD and controlled by the end user using motion and/or orientation information associated with a secondary device (e.g., a mobile phone). Using the virtual pointer, the end user may select and manipulate virtual objects within the augmented reality environment, select real-world objects within the augmented reality environment, and/or control a graphical user interface of the HMD. In some cases, the initial position of the virtual pointer within the augmented reality environment may be determined based on a particular direction in which the end user is gazing and/or a particular object at which the end user is currently focusing on or has recently focused on.