I don't think Apple have lost their way since Steve Jobs passing away. Yes, it would have affected them a bit. Historically, Apple have excelled in innovation and have succeeded by pioneering different sectors (MP3 players, smartphones & tablets). Competition could never catch up with the iPod, but emergence of smartphones have caused a decline in MP3 player sales. Competition has caught up in the smartphone sector.
Apple has a clear lead in tablets at the moment, but it does feel threatened by Microsoft & Nexus 7, & was forced to respond to competition prematurely. Based on my initial impressions with Windows 8, Apple has a strong reason to worry. The minority of initial negative reaction of Windows 8 is mainly due to users not yet accustomed to to the new UI. This won't be the case in a month or so.
Apple has a clear lead in tablets at the moment, but it does feel threatened by Microsoft & Nexus 7, & was forced to respond to competition prematurely. Based on my initial impressions with Windows 8, Apple has a strong reason to worry. The minority of initial negative reaction of Windows 8 is mainly due to users not yet accustomed to to the new UI. This won't be the case in a month or so.