Apple's Cover Flow is an import

The technology for iTunes' new album-browsing technology was the work of two people outside the company. However, Apple, spotting an idea it liked, has purchased the technology.

Cover Flow was the work of Andrew Enright and a colleague. "I just came up with the idea and put it on the Web," Enright said in a brief interview at the Apple event.

Jobs made several references to the technology in his speech Tuesday, which is part of iTunes 7. Cover Flow allows iTunes users to browse through their music and movie collections visually. Enright said that he liked the way his creation has been incorporated. "I'm really happy with it," he said. "It's beautiful."

The developers also noted Apple's move on their Web site. "We are pleased to announce that all Cover Flow technology and intellectual property was recently sold to Apple," the posting states. "It has been incorporated into the latest version of iTunes."

Apple declined to comment on the terms of its deal for Cover Flow.