The VCX Forum Roadmap for 2025 year
As we embark on another exciting year, I would like to share the VCX Forum's roadmap for the months ahead. This text highlights key developments, research initiatives, and events that will shape the VCX Forum in the coming year.
1. Upcoming VCX Versions & Enhancements
1.1 WebCam Testing & Benchmarking
The latest VCX WebCam 2023 procedure test results will be released soon. This update includes comprehensive benchmarking of both PC webcams and external cameras, featuring evaluations on 3D capture, challenging scenes, and real-world conferencing experiences to better reflect the needs of today’s highly digitalized world.
1.2. PhoneCam 2025
The upcoming PhoneCam 2025 version will introduce refinements based on previous versions, incorporating ultra-wide-angle photography, video zoom, and selfie video tests to enhance real-world user experience measurements.
2. Subjective Studies & User-Centric Evaluation
The 2025 Subjective Study project will commence in Q2, following the release of new WebCam and PhoneCam benchmarking scores, and will be conducted throughout the entire year. This year's study will cover PhoneCam, WebCam, as well as new categories such as XR (Extended Reality) and Smart Home Security Cameras.
VCX scores are designed to translate user experiences into objective benchmarks. These scores are rooted in subjective studies, allowing us to assess real user perceptions, the latest market demands, and personal evaluations.
Unlike self-assessments conducted for marketing purposes, our studies are conducted in collaboration with members, from research funding and question design to data collection and analysis. This ensures highly credible and realistic insights.
Our past research findings have directly influenced VCX benchmarking metrics. For example, prior user studies on device usage across different lighting conditions revealed the following distribution:
Sunny: 31%
Indoor: 28%
Low-light: 41%
These insights play a crucial role in refining our scoring criteria, ensuring that device performance in real-world scenarios is accurately represented.
As joint assets of our members, these research insights are frequently referenced in media and marketing materials, making them valuable beyond internal use.
3. Industry Events & Initiatives
3.1 Expansion of VCX Certified Testing Labs
To enhance the credibility and efficiency of VCX-certified testing labs, The WebCam team chair, Anthony L Orchard, has spearheaded efforts to expand verification facilities.
This month, AMD's lab became the first official VCX WebCam certification lab. Several other laboratories are currently undergoing assessment and accreditation, with announcements expected soon. Our goal for this year is to confirm at least three additional VCX Forum Certified Labs (VFCLs), further strengthening the certification infrastructure.
3.2 Smart Home Security Camera Standardization
A pilot team is being formed within the VCX Forum in collaboration with Amazon Ring to develop standards for smart home security cameras. Participation is open to all, regardless of membership. Once the pilot team establishes a concrete framework, it will transition into a formal working group.
If you are interested in joining this initiative, please reach out via this email.
3.3 Annual VCX Forum Member Meeting
This year’s VCX Forum Member Meeting will take place on 3~5th June in Tampere, Finland.
Tampere is home to several leading companies and research institutions specializing in image quality. We will be collaborating with local networks to host a three-day event filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
As always, this will be an open meeting, and I encourage anyone interested to attend.
4. Looking Ahead
I hope this roadmap gives you a clear view of what’s ahead for the VCX Forum in the coming year. For event participation, test developments, membership inquiries, or any other questions, feel free to contact me directly.
Wishing you all a successful year ahead, and I appreciate your continued support!
Warm regards,
Benjamin Pak Coordinator