The Difference Between Operating System and Device Share

There's an important difference between "smart phone" device share and operating system market share. Operating system share arguably tells you less than device share. Apple and Samsung, for example, are winning handset share.


Operating system share arguably tells you less, since Android and Microsoft operating systems are multi-vendor, while Research in Motion and Apple iOS are single vendor. 


That could change if Research in Motion succeeds in splitting its services business from its handset business, or if Nokia's ownership changes.