iOS 4.3.3 for iPad

Last week, Apple issued a press release to address the iOS location issue, a bug that prevents GPS-enabled devices such as first and second generation iPad 3G, as well as iPhone, from purging location data stored to help them calculate their location faster.
A new version of iOS, designed to address the issue, was released today. The update, slated iOS 4.3.3, is compatible with first/second generation iPad, as well as iPhone 3GS/4, and third/fourth generation iPod touch.
Release notes:

• Reduces the size of cache [location database]
• No longer backs the cache up to iTunes
• Deletes the cache entirely when Location Services is turned off

While the location tracking issue was discovered some time ago, it didn’t get much coverage until the Guardian published a piece about it a couple of weeks ago. In Apple’s own words, “Apple is not tracking the location of your iPhone [and iPad 3G]. Apple has never done so and has no plans to ever do so.”

Data extracted from an iPhone location file – Credit: Guardian

When asked about why the files was designed to hold up to a year’s worth of location data, Apple simply explained that a bug prevents iPhone and iPad 3G to purge the file – technically, Apple never planned to record more than seven days’ worth of location data.
To get the update, simply fire up iTunes. Alternatively, the firmware can be downloaded here:

• First Generation iPad
• Second Generation iPad (WiFi)
• Second Generation iPad (at&t)
• Second Generation iPad (Verizon)