Exactly. Their last two big product reveals have been almost entirely defined by reference to Google/Android products: A 16:9 screen on the iPhone. A 7" tablet. Changing maps providers. And they're not even trying to hide this. (And, I should note, all of this is quite objectively a good thing for the market).
The premise of the article is ridiculous. Sure, Apple has built a great brand that they can leverage into huge sales for the iPad Mini. I have no doubt it will be the most successful tablet in its size class within a few months. But to pretend that this means the Mini's development wasn't driven by the existing competitors is just silly. Apple jumped into this market because everyone else proved it out first.
I really need "data" here? All I allege (to clarify the "proved it out" bit) is that the Kindle Fire/HD and Nexus 7 are (IMHO, undeniably) successful products in a market Apple wants to enter. You seriously disagree?
The premise of the article is ridiculous. Sure, Apple has built a great brand that they can leverage into huge sales for the iPad Mini. I have no doubt it will be the most successful tablet in its size class within a few months. But to pretend that this means the Mini's development wasn't driven by the existing competitors is just silly. Apple jumped into this market because everyone else proved it out first.