This invention relates to a display method and apparatus, and more particularly, this invention relates to a
user interface with
multiple applications which can be operated concurrently and / or independently by using simple finger gestures. Furthermore, the user is allowed to intuitively operate and control digital information, functions, applications, etc. to improve
operability. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user is able to use finger gesture to navigate the
user interface via a virtual spindle metaphor to select different applications. The user can also split the
user interface to at least two display segments which may contain different applications. Moreover, each display segment can be moved to a desirable location on the user interface to provide a seamless operation environment. This invention can also be used
in vehicle navigation systems to reduce driver
distraction when the display segments can be split and each application can be moved around, so that the passenger can operate the
navigation system while the user is driving.