Networks and manufacturers have been slow to take to the new Google operating system – but this is unlikely to be the case for much longer, one expert suggests.

In a recent blog post for the CCS Insight website, Shaun Collins notes that when visiting the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona this year, he was surprised and disappointed to see very little news on Android adoption.

Mr Collins explained the system’s Open Handset Alliance (OHA) was unable to announce any new members at the industry meeting and “the only major announcement in this area” was the showcasing of Vodafone’s HTC Magic device.

However, he states that although slow, there are a number of things that suggest adoption of the software could be about to pick up speed.

Mr Collins says: “HTC is doing a good job getting the Dream into the ranges of several high-profile operators. I assume it’s just a question of time before France Telecom-Orange becomes a member of the OHA.”

He goes on to note that although MWC hosted no such formal announcements, it was likely that manufacturers including LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson would put out an Android-powered handset “soon”.

“I suspect most operators will decide the risk of dealing with a Google-inspired initiative is one worth taking,” Mr Collins concludes.

A new enhanced voicemail service was announced by web-based provider Common Voices recently, for use with the T Mobile G1, HTC Dream and any other upcoming Android phones.

NowMessage.com claims to remove the restrictions that inhibit network-based voicemail accounts by utilising some of the operating systems features.

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