Question

I would like to distribute a beta version of my application to a small group of users. Ideally this would be done through the market to make it easier for the beta testers.

Is there a way to restrict an app s presence in the market? The only solutions I could come up with were:

1 - Have users download the .adk from the web and install manually
2 - Release the beta version as a separate app in the market

The first option isn t ideal as you have to potentially walk the user through allowing apps from unknown sources. Not to mention from a user perspective, you re then downloading an app from an untrusted source.

The second option isn t ideal as you then are potentially confusing other users by having multiple versions in the market, one of which might be flaky. And then there s the inevitable comments about how something doesn t work in the market. I guess you could add some sort of password to that version that you only distribute to your beta testers.

Are there any better solutions?

Answer 1

Market is for public apps only so there is not any good ways to do this. Our app was distributed by email as apk when we where doing beta-testing. Use android forums to get beta-testers.

But, if you insist on using android market. I suggest re-name your app and package-names, and put it into the demo category. But again, I would not used android market for beta-testing.

Answer 2

Perhaps put a relatively high price on it and refund the beta users money.

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