I don't know about "new".... there is one that resembles a scalpel, I'm not sure if it's the one you're talking about because it's been around for a while.
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles...eam-ripper.php
I have one that looks similar to this one, however my favorite seam rippers are plain razor blades, like the kind you put in box cutters.