Xiaomi says it's not copying Apple, but Apple is copying HTC

Xiaomi -- the fast-rising Chinese electronics company which is quickly becoming a major player in smartphones -- has come under fire in the past for similarities between its MiPhone smartphone and MiPad tablet, and Apple's iconic mobile gadgets, but now the company is on the offensive. Taking the stage at the Wall Street Journal's WSJDLive conference, Xiaomi VP Hugo Barra brushed off claims that his company has been copying Apple's wares and suggested that perhaps it's Apple that's been doing the copying.

"The iPhone 6 carries design language that is very HTC-like," Barra claimed, while also noting that he believes the quick settings in iOS 8 were inspired by Google's Android. Barra, who served as the VP of Google's Android division until his departure in 2013, also added that he isn't troubled by possible copyright suits from Apple or anyone else that may pop up in the future.

The Xiaomi Mi 4 was announced in July 2014 during a presentation that seemed oddly familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in Apple culture. As the event approached its conclusion, the company's founder, Lei Jun, stood on stage in a black shirt and blue jeans, before a screen that said simply "one more thing..." prior to announcing the company's new wearable, the MiBand.

[via Gigaom]