Earlier this week, well-known copycat Xiaomi revealed a new digital avatar feature called “Mimoji.” (Sound familiar yet?) The similarity to Apple’s Memoji is so strong, Xiaomi sent out a press release refuting claims that it copied Apple. However, the similarity is apparently so strong that the firm feels safe in using Apple’s own ads to promote Mimoji.
Daring Fireball reports ads for Apple’s Memoji and Apple Music have been embedded on Xiaomi’s Mi CC9 smartphone product page on e-commerce platforms JD.com and Suning, a Weibo user found on Friday.
The product page for Xiaomi’s Mi CC9 smartphone showcased the Apple Music Memoji ad that included Khalid’s dancing avatar singing “Talk.” These were found alongside Xiaomi’s official Mimoji graphics.
Xiaomi’s public relations general manager, Xu Jieyun told Weibo that the whole thing was an accident and that Xiaomi staff accidentally “uploaded the wrong content” to the sites.
Both Apple’s Memoji and Xiaomi’s Mimoji are 3D avatars users can customize to make them similar to their own likeness. Xiaomi’s avatars (and their accessories) look strikingly similar to Apple’s avatars.
Xiaomi has long been known for releasing products whose features are remarkably close to (copying) Apple’s products, including tablets, wireless headphones, and more.
