For anyone not getting selected for any testing groups, hang in there.
The powers that be have confirmed that the next update will by done via Steam and more than likely be an Early Access build, which basically opens it up to anyone on Steam wanting to download and assist. The only unconfirmed part of this process is whether or not PP will be putting a price on their Early Access (which is the norm for Steam from any developer, so it is not as if PP are trying to make a quick buck) and this also gets you the full version when released, without additional purchase being required.
They could, I guess, offer to make the Early Access a free download and then charge for the full game when it is ready.
The hope is for something to be available around Christmas, or maybe just after, depending how things go, so again, to those wanting to help out testing, hopefully the wait won't be too long.