John, I can confirm their is no "ad-hoc" distribution mechanism in the Android Market. It is not possible to release a Beta app to just a distinct group of people. This is a feature commonly requested - check the bug reports for Android Market.
You could accomplish this by setting up your own distribution (a website, or even emailing the APK to your beta testers) - or creating a new Market listing that you don't publicize, that you can tell your testers about (give it a weird name, and bad promo graphics, and there will be little chance of people downloading it). -MIke -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Discuss" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/android-discuss/-/Ivi6PriX_fEJ. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss?hl=en.
