Chinese mobile maker Xiaomi is known as ‘Apple of China’ for its striking similarities with Apple iPhones but when Apple design chief Jony Ive called it “Technology Theft” Xiaomi president hit back to him saying that Ive should our phone to know the difference.
While responding to Apple’s remark the president of Xiaomi Lin Bin said to a Chinese News Network that “Xiaomi is a very open company, which would never force anyone to use its products. However, one can only judge Xiaomi’s gadgets after he or she has used them”.
Lin also added that “I’m very willing to give a Xiaomi cell phone to him (Jony Ive) as present, and I look forward to hearing his remarks after he uses it,” Lin said.
Last week in an answer to an audience’s question about Apple look alike products the Cupertino based leading electronic makes design chief called such products ”Technology Theft”.
Ive, who was interacting with audience at a Vanity Fair event in San Francisco, said “I don’t see it as flattery. I see it as theft I have to be honest. The last thing I think is ‘Oh, that is flattering…all those weekends I could’ve been home with my family…I think its theft and it’s lazy. I don’t think it’s OK at all.”
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Xiaomi has long being criticized for their Apple look alike design and MIUI that often copies iOS concepts. Although, Xiaomi Smartphones run on Android they have a thick layers of personal user interface which tweak Android design to give it a more iOS feel.
Although, the Chinese company has been denying all the copy cat remark by critics Xiaomi products and even its president’s style and appearance(black t-Shirt, blue jeans) often remind many of Apple and Steve Jobs.
