Skip iOS 8.3: Bad Elf

One of the leading makers of external GPS receivers for iPad and iPhone navigation and charting apps is warning customers to ignore the latest iOS update. Bad Elf says the update, iOS 8.3, sent earlier this week, apparently blocks the transfer of GPS data from its receivers and those of some other manufacturers (we're confirming that) and disables the GPS-dependent functions within the third-party apps in the devices. "We have reproduced this issue in our lab and confirmed that this issue is not unique to Bad Elf GPS receivers," said an alert from Bad Elf. Newer Bad Elf receivers don't seem to be affected but the company is recommending customers skip this update (new emojis are the big feature) while it works with Apple to sort the problems out.

Meanwhile, ForeFlight, the biggest third-party app provider, says the problem occurs with the external receivers and not the app. "The only issue we know of is the GPS accessory issue," ForeFlight CEO Tyson Weihs told AVweb. "The issue is actually with iOS, not apps or receivers. Apple did something to break the communication."It's not clear what the fix might be so those who have already downloaded the new emojis should test their equipment and perhaps dig out their paper charts.