How to release a beta android app?

Question

I made an android app that I want to release, but it is in beta. I want to know how I should handle this. Should I upload my app with the normal name but with "Beta" after it? Should I change every instance of the name in the app to include Beta after it?

When I want to release the final version, do I delete the beta app and replace it, or just upload another app?

Answer 1

Google Play has alpha/beta/production release channels. Within the Alpha/Beta channels you can control distribution through Google+ community membership.

See:

Google Developer Console Alpha/Beta

Staging Play Store Rollouts

When you want to release to the production Play store you promote the app directly from Beta in the Developer Console.