SuperMemo has been around for quite some time and IIRC it was indeed the first piece of software to employ the theory of spaced repetition. So it's not coincidentally similar, SuperMemo is immediately associated with spaced repetition. That Wired article is a great read, moreso IMHO because it drifts purposely about the guy, who's as eccentric as he is fascinating in his extreme lifestyle choices and devotion to his life's work.

p.s. Something dies within me when I hear good ole' software being referred to as an 'app'.