Google play distribute app for specific (test) users only

Question

Simple question, as i can remember there was an option at the developers console in the Play Store to make an app only visible to a set of email addresses. Or at least the a

Answer 1

I personally don't remember seeing the option you mentioned, specifying email addresses for private delivery and therefore, I have no experience on that matter. In fact, a quick check in the Developer Console, revealed that the option is no longer available, which I am sure you already know since you posted a question for the same.

That being said, there is a web service I am aware of (never used it personally, but is recommended by quite a few of my developer friends and colleagues).

The website is: The Beta Family. A cursory look at their website so far hasn't mentioned any fees or payments for creating an account or uploading an app for testing.

They also have the email feature you mention in the OP which they call SuperSend where you specify a set of email addresses and the app is delivered to them. You can get more information about the same here: http://thebetafamily.com/supersend/

It may not be useful if you are looking specifically for a solution with Google Play. But if you open to alternatives, I think this looks promising.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: Their FAQ's mentions that their service is, in fact, free.

Answer 2

Google Play now has alpha and beta testing built in: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/3131213?hl=en