MG Siegler wrote about the very same thing: http://parislemon.com/post/22211607603/sales-versus-surveys


These numbers, in addition to being made up, are supplemented by surveys. The real numbers however show that iOS is in the lead in at least three metrics. Mindshare (development of and downloading of apps), units (real sales figures) and profit share. The real unit share numbers help to paint a more balanced picture of profit share, which without the real units, seems only more astronomical.

This all leaves me puzzled on one last front. The apparently bullshit and totally made up numbers given on a repeated basis by Android lead Andy Rubin for daily activations. They have never fit with any other metrics. Never fit with the number of total devices in use, never fit with the numbers reported by carriers. If these numbers aren't a complete fabrication/lie, then what are they?