google play - Android Alpha/Beta testing -

my company releasing communication app android in coming weeks/months. embedded app on nexus 7 2013 device, running aosp minor modifications. makes typical remote updates complicated there's step must run install apk/libs os system folders.

the plan alpha , beta trials, , have started gathering volunteers. we'll loading apk onto devices , giving them out initially. i've found plenty of information on preparing release (unit testing, signing apk, etc) i'm looking information on alpha , beta releases.

problems:

• we need update app remotely without bringing devices in
• we need gather (useful) data possible on usage, device statistics, bugs , crashes

research & possible solutions:

• developer console alpha/beta testing - https://developer.android.com/distribute/googleplay/developer-console.html
• app blade or other third party support tools - https://appblade.com
• analytics libraries
  • flurry - https://developer.yahoo.com/analytics
  • mixpanel - https://mixpanel.com/android-analytics
  • google analytics - https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/android/v4/
  • amplitude - https://amplitude.com/behavioral-analytics-platform
  • localytics ($) - https://www.localytics.com
• fetch logcat programmatically on device , upload our server
• save specific in-app logs/statistics internal sharedpreferences or sqlite database , upload our server periodically
• gather written feedback alpha/beta testers via surveys, email communication, etc.
• if device in hand, can debug crashes by:
  1. dump logcat file - "adb logcat -d > logcat.txt"
  2. check kernel logs - /proc/last_kmsg
  3. check dump - /data/dont_panic

questions:

• have run alpha/beta trial using google play developer console? useful?
• have used third party tools such app blade push releases , gather statistics?
• what best practices gathering detailed statistics/feedback apps once they've been released?

thanks in advance

1. alpha/beta tests extremely useful. can create google+ communities alpha , beta testers. add community sharing app specified users. new version can deployed , notified alpha , beta users.
   1. nups
   2. multiple ways actually: write own beacon kind of system gather information device , send using alarm manager periodically. storing logs, sql should used.