Optometrists’ reports spark Apple prototype speculation

Apple is notoriously obsessive with protecting its prototype ideas, however, a leaked report detailing the everyday safety incidents at its Cupertino office appears to point toward augmented reality as the next big product launch for the multinational tech giant.The report, obtained by online technology news site Gizmodo after it was mistakenly sent to hundreds of Apple staff instead of just OH&S workers, detailed two eye injuries that occurred in the past few months while wearing what was believed to be a prototype device.{{quote-A:R-W:450-Q: A source from inside Apple speculated it could be related to an augmented reality product Apple was testing }}The first incident, which was documented on February 21, required medical treatment that went beyond first aid and was associated with the use of one of the company’s prototypes.“After BT4 user study, user advised study lead, that she experienced discomfort in her eye and said she was able to see the laser flash at several points during the study. Study lead referred her to optometrist and secured prototype unit for analysis,” the report stated.Meanwhile, another excerpt related to a worker complaining of eye pain on March 2 and stated: “ployee reported eye pain after working with new prototype, thought it may be associated with use. He noticed that the security seal on the magenta (outer) case had been broken and had thought the unit may have been tampered with.”According to Gizmodo, a source from inside Apple speculated it could be related to an augmented reality product Apple was testing. This theory would appear in step with comments from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who has stated on multiple occasions that augmented reality would become commonplace in the not-too-distant future.