Notes: Apple renames iTunes store, acquires Cover Flow

Apple has renamed its iTunes Music Store. Meanwhile, some of the software technology used in iTunes 7 was developed outside of the company. And accessory makers gain access to latest iPod dimensions.

New names for iTunes store

Though minor in detail, Apple on Tuesday formally altered the name of its iTunes Music Store, renaming it simply the "iTunes Store." The new name reflects the broader assortment of media content, such as movies and games, now being sold through the service.

Apple had settled on the name change much earlier, according to tipsters. About two months ago all iTunes Music Store support employees received a news bulletin stating that the store was to be referred to as the "iTunes Store" from there on out. With the release of iTunes 7, the change is official.

Apple acquires CoverFlow

In related news, iTunes 7 includes a feature called Cover Flow, which Apple purchased from a small software developer named Steel Skies.

"We are pleased to announce that all CoverFlow technology and intellectual property was recently sold to Apple," reads a message on the Steel Skies site. "It has been incorporated into the latest version of iTunes."

With iTunes 7 and Cover Flow, users can flip through their digital music and video collection just as they would CDs.

New iPod dimensions

Over on its developer site, Apple has released product dimensions for parties interested in developing an accessory for its new iPod models.

The new second generation iPod nano is 40 millimeters wide by 90 millimeters tall by 6.5 millimeters thick. Comparatively, the first generation nano was 40 millimeters wide by 90 millimeters tall by 6.9 millimeters thick.