An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music
player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable
electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory
that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by
the controls. In response to user manipulation of the controls, the
accessory sends the function codes to the portable electronic device that
cause the device to perform the requested function. Preferably, the
accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car
auxiliary power outlet and has the controls on the protruding face of the
charger body. The accessory may also include an FM transmitter for
transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device
to the car stereo.