They've been around a while. Klein, Greenlee, etc. They usually are used for making crude low TPI threaded holes for the trades but get the job done just fine. I wouldn't use them on anything that needs a fine thread or anything you care about in particular.
Not sure if you are talking about the combo drill/taps. I use ones like these for working on breaker panels and other wiring stuff. They are super handy, but not really precise.
My favorite tap is YAMAWA spiral. I often us a cordless drill with a torque adjustable drive. On smaller taps like 4/40 go slow. If the tap suddenly jams the energy in the chuck will act like a flywheel and the tap may break. Lisle make good tap-drive sockets.