Jamaican Travel Blogger launches Augmented Reality “Island Life” filter on Instagram

“Island Life”: what a better way to stay connected to one’s true rich Caribbean culture provided by an augmented reality filter. Stay anywhere in the world and feel that Caribbean thrill pulsating through your veins. The Caribbean is infamously known for producing the best culture and icons worldwide, such  as the king of reggae, Bob Marley, Usain Bolt among a plethora of others. Joining the ranks of Rihanna and Kylie Jenner with her very own Instagram filter, Jamaican travel blogger Jhunelle Jureidini decided to launch her shades to bring the island vibe for the summer.

Today’s world is much more familiar with augmented reality (AR) as the technology develops. AI is usually a computer-generated image or animation on a user’s view, often for entertainment purposes. Facial-detecting AR gained much popularity after their filter inclusion on the Snapchat social media platform in 2015, and even more so when later adopted by Instagram and Facebook.  Jhunelle has seen potential in this growing trend and created a custom face filter which is now publicly available on Instagram.

Always keeping up with the latest digital marketing technology, Jhunelle learned that third-party filters would soon be accessible to companies worldwide. Intrigued, she  joined an online developer beta group that reviews face filters for public access. After two initial project trials and denials, Jhunelle continued to build on her new knowledge. The third time proved to be the charm when her ‘Tropic Shades’ lens got a stamp of approval on June 20th.

Her face-detection AR sunglasses frame is placed over users’ eyes in the rasta colours, red, green, and gold topped with the phrase ‘ISLAND LIFE’. It’s meant to provide a tropical vibe to anyone, no matter where in the world they are. To access the exclusive ‘Tropic Shades’, Instagram users would be required to follow her blog’s Instagram page @simplylocal.life then select the effect from the collection of facial recognition filters.

“I’m always looking for new ways to promote Brand Jamaica,” she stated. “Creating custom ig filters is a unique way brands get to show their personality while buidling brand loyalty.” Jhunelle will offer augmented reality filters to brands once Instagram makes it widely available.