Alpha & Beta testing

[23tony]

I have an app that's about ready to go and am looking for some people to check it out & give feedback.

Obviously, friends, family, coworkers are a good place to start. I was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions, ideas or approaches you've used, etc.

 

[ocnbrze]

you can post them here on AF. just make sure that it is not in this forum but in the android apps and game forum

also make sure you read this:
https://androidforums.com/threads/how-to-post-app-game-announcements.1128134/

 

[23tony]

Thanks for the input!

 

[23tony]

If I'm reading that thread correctly, it appears that only released apps are permitted? In the last post, @Unforgiven said "Our rules require a play link for security as well as maintaining a family friendly content level.", and it's a footnote at the bottom of the initial post.

I guess I need to find another option then, since I'm not ready to publish yet? Or am I not understanding something right?

 

[Unforgiven]

If I'm reading that thread correctly, it appears that only released apps are permitted? In the last post, @Unforgiven said "Our rules require a play link for security as well as maintaining a family friendly content level.", and it's a footnote at the bottom of the initial post.

I guess I need to find another option then, since I'm not ready to publish yet? Or am I not understanding something right?

Play now allows for beta testing so there is that option. But if you aren't ready to put it in play, and want to post an apk, it may be OK. So long as there aren't any blatant, obvious copyright / porn / piracy issues you can post an apk or a link to one.

I'll stay in touch if there are issues or questions.

 

[23tony]

Play now allows for beta testing so there is that option. But if you aren't ready to put it in play, and want to post an apk, it may be OK. So long as there aren't any blatant, obvious copyright / porn / piracy issues you can post an apk or a link to one.

I'll stay in touch if there are issues or questions.

Thanks for the clarification!

I still want to get a couple updates in first, but I'll be adding it soon, then.

 

[23tony]

One last thing - for this early prerelease, can the apk be unsigned or do you guys require a signed apk?

 

[Unforgiven]

One last thing - for this early prerelease, can the apk be unsigned or do you guys require a signed apk?

It's a beta, so I think unsigned will be OK.

 

[RLScott]

I have a question about Beta releases for something that has never been released for Production. Today I launched a Beta release (Open Track) but not Production. But when I go to the Play Store and search for my app, it is already there! What is more, the Play Store listing says nothing about it being a pre-production release. It seems to appear just like any other Production app. I don't want people to download my app thinking it is a Production release. If anyone would like to check it out for me, the app is called "Engine RPM" by Real-Time Specialties. Can anyone tell me why it is listed as fully released? Also I would prefer not to make my testers pay for the app, since it is quite expensive. Is there any way to make a Beta test free, but the app cost money?

 

[ocnbrze]

I have a question about Beta releases for something that has never been released for Production. Today I launched a Beta release (Open Track) but not Production. But when I go to the Play Store and search for my app, it is already there! What is more, the Play Store listing says nothing about it being a pre-production release. It seems to appear just like any other Production app. I don't want people to download my app thinking it is a Production release. If anyone would like to check it out for me, the app is called "Engine RPM" by Real-Time Specialties. Can anyone tell me why it is listed as fully released? Also I would prefer not to make my testers pay for the app, since it is quite expensive. Is there any way to make a Beta test free, but the app cost money?

it does say early access and that it is under development:

 

[RLScott]

it does say early access and that it is under development:

That is most curious, because when I use Firefox on a Windows 10 system and do that search I get a very different looking view, without that disclaimer, or the "Early Access" qualifier:

(And can anyone tell me if it is possible to make my Beta version free, but the Production version cost money?)

 

[ocnbrze]

That is most curious, because when I use Firefox on a Windows 10 system and do that search I get a very different looking view, without that disclaimer, or the "Early Access" qualifier:

well ok so i did that first search on my chromebook's play store. i just did another one on my note 8 and........nothing i do not even see your app.

 

[spy shop]

If you are going to use this app as commercially purpose,all functional testing phases will be required.performance testing,load testing,integration testing.etc.
inbox me for all details.

 

[RLScott]

Perhaps the Play Store has the full info ("Early Access" and "this app under development. Be the first...") only on devices that can actually install the app, not Windows browsers.

 

[23tony]

Perhaps the Play Store has the full info ("Early Access" and "this app under development. Be the first...") only on devices that can actually install the app, not Windows browsers.

I think that may be the case. Play Store via my phone shows the Early Access badge, and the Tools badge. But I only see Tools when I look at it with Opera/Windows

 

[23tony]

I got my app ready to go for alpha & posted per instructions on the Games & Apps section. "Just A Map"

Thanks again for the help!

 

[23tony]

It's a beta, so I think unsigned will be OK.

Play now allows for beta testing so there is that option. But if you aren't ready to put it in play, and want to post an apk, it may be OK. So long as there aren't any blatant, obvious copyright / porn / piracy issues you can post an apk or a link to one.

I'll stay in touch if there are issues or questions.

I just received a notice that my post in my "Just A Map" forum with the APK link was deleted:

Your post in the thread Map app: Just A Map was deleted. Reason: Please don't post APK links on the website.

It seems pretty clear from our discussion above that posting an APK link was acceptable. So I'm a bit confused now.

I suppose I'm just out of luck until I release it on the play store?

(It's also a bit disconcerting that this happened two weeks after I posted it, rather than right after.)

 

[ocnbrze]

if you like you can discuss it with the staff here:
https://androidforums.com/forums/private-chat-with-staff.1247/

 

[Unforgiven]

I just received a notice that my post in my "Just A Map" forum with the APK link was deleted:


It seems pretty clear from our discussion above that posting an APK link was acceptable. So I'm a bit confused now.

I suppose I'm just out of luck until I release it on the play store?

(It's also a bit disconcerting that this happened two weeks after I posted it, rather than right after.)

Resolved. I restored the post for you. You are all set.

 

[Greum]

Could you not be seeing the Early Access and This app is in development. It may be unstable messages because you're logged in to Google?

 

[23tony]

Resolved. I restored the post for you. You are all set.

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

I've been unable to get back on for a couple days so was going to check in as @ocnbrze suggested, but you beat me to responding.