The fact remains that Playstation is a global brand. Xbox is a United States brand. If you compare the sales in the US the XB1 and PS4 are very close. When you factor in the rest of the world the XB1 gets demolished.
If all companies engage in it then the article is pointless unless it's a thinly veiled attempt by a PS fanboy to humble brag on PS sales.
Whats your definition of close