Tribe introduces augmented reality

Technology is now an integral part of almost every aspect of our lives, and it has also found its way into the local Carnival scene through an augmented reality (AR) app. The mobile application is said to enhance real-world experiences by overlaying digital elements—such as graphics, animations, and interactive content—onto the user’s physical surroundings.

AR is a technology that blends the real world with computer-generated content, including images, sounds and other sensory elements. It is widely used across various industries, such as gaming, retail and manufacturing. AR software uses sensors, artificial intelligence, and other technologies to recognise objects and environmental features. It overlays digital content onto the real world, such as navigation routes or product information. In addition to smartphones, AR can also be accessed through AR glasses and other specialised devices.

In an interview with Express Business, Arielle Du Quesnay, app developer and founder of the Roam Reality app, said it took 18 months to develop. She explained that the app was created out of her and the Tribe team’s passion for outdoor adventure, as well as their commitment to creative and innovative marketing.

When asked how the app would generate revenue, she explained, “The app will be monetised through AR advertising strategies for innovative and daring brands nationwide.”

Du Quesnay added that prizes are available through the app and can be won by earning points for using the app and sharing experiences.

“Prizes can be won by using the Tribe, The Lost Tribe, Harts and Bliss photo filters or by geo checking-in snapping pics with any one of the four mas band AR pins. Participants can access these competitions through the app and just share their ­pictures on social media to be eligible. “The app is an AR travel app, persons earn points for using the experiences on the app and sharing their content on social media. The points go toward a live nationwide scoreboard on the app, where the more you play and share your content the higher you rank,” she said.

Geo-checking is a location-based process that uses geofencing to verify a user’s location.

Users can check in to a location within a specified distance, and the distance between the user and the location can be saved in the check-in record. However, the check-in event will be marked as unverified if the user is too far away.

Du Quesnay stated that the app has been well-received by the public so far, with people actively downloading and using it. “The app has been well received by the public thus far; persons are actively downloading and engaging in experiences more and more each day. “People are excited to see themselves ranked on the scoreboard, pumped about all the giveaways, and most people think it’s a very creative and innovative concept. We expect to hit 10,000 downloads or more for the Carnival season and hope to scale to other Caribbean markets later this year,” Du Quesnay said.

Tribe executive Rhiannon Pemberton explained that by using a smartphone camera, AR apps blend the virtual and real worlds, creating an immersive and engaging experience.

This enhances the Trinidad Carnival experience by allowing users to participate in interactive challenges and capture creative content. Pemberton added in a release on February 18 that most challenges are open to anyone who downloads the Roam Reality app. “Whether you’re a masquerader, a spectator, or simply a Carnival enthusiast, you can take part by snapping photos, using the app’s exclusive filters, and sharing your content on social media to earn points. “However, there is a special Carnival Tuesday Challenge exclusively for Tribe, Bliss, Lost Tribe, and Harts masqueraders, as it showcases their stunning costumes in a unique AR experience,” she said.

The release added that the AR app is a game-changer for Trinidad Carnival, merging technology with tradition to create a more interactive and inclusive experience. It added that it also allows brands and participants to engage in new ways, enhances the digital footprint of Carnival, and attracts a global audience by making content more shareable and immersive. “By pioneering AR in Carnival, Tribe is setting the stage for future innovations in festival culture,” the release stated

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