Clear is a new to-do list app that has quickly become one of the most downloaded paid apps at the Apple App Store.  The thing that sets this app apart from others of its kind gesture-base interface.  Mark an item completed with a simple swipe, pull down to create new list items and tap and hold to change the order of list items.  Also unique is the way to-do lists are presented.  Tasks are colored different hues from red to gold to indicate their priority.   

Clear isn’t the fanciest to-do list app, but it’s definitely the best looking.  Find out more about Clear at RealMacSoftware.com.

Microsoft has announced the new logo for Windows 8, which is composed of a white cross on a blue background.  Microsoft’s goal was to return to the window concept. Many thought the current four color logo resembled a flag, not to mention that its use of primary colors made it similar to the Chrome logo.  However, there are already comments on the Web about the new logo resembling the Nordic cross flag or a Scottish flag (which used the same colors with an X shape rather than a cross). 

Read more about the new Windows 8 logo design on ReadWriteWeb.

The SpareOne is a power-efficient mobile phone that’s the perfect travel companion. Powered by a single AA battery, the SmartOne offers up to 10 hours of talk time and has a 15-year shelf life when stored unused. You can stash it in your car or vacation home for emergency calls. The SpareOne is also compatible with phone networks all over the world, so it’s ideal for travel (you can leave your phone charger at home).  Rather than dealing the roaming charges on your regular phone, just load the SmartOne with minutes when you arrive in a new country.

The SpareOne is also a good phone for kids or seniors who may not need a full-feature cell phone. Find out more about the SpareOne travel phone on the official SpareOne Phone website. You can also read reviews of other travel-friendly gadgets on Fodors.

The team at GRASP (General Robotic, Automation, Sensing  & Perception) at the University of Pennsylvania have created an array of nano quadrotors (like a helicopter but with 4 rotors) that can autonomously move in groups, pass through doors, avoid obstacles and form complex formations in 3D space.  Each robot copter is equipped with sensors that allow it to maintain balance and accurately position itself while executing even the most complex maneuvers.

The YouTube video showing the swarm in action has gone viral, garnering more than 3 million views in less than a week.  After you watch the video, you can find out more about the GRASP team’s work on the GRASP Laboratory website.