Is there a recommended strategy for releasing a beta version of an application to a limited number of users through the Android Market?

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

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

Answer 2

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.