Junaio launches an iPhone application that aims to bridge the gap between social networking and augmented reality.

Junaio is developed by Munich based metaio which is a pioneer in the area of augmented reality technology. According to their website metaio develops software products for systems driven by visual interaction in both real and virtual worlds.

According to a press release from metaio that was covered on September 18, 2009 by blogs such as Vizworld, Arvertising.com, and The Future Digital Life, the release of the iPhone application was scheduled for November 2. Today is the official release on the iPhone application directory. Download iPhone Application here.

In a quote from the press release Thomas Alt, CEO of metaio says;

“By combining innovative online and mobile technologies, junaio will allow users to see location-based content through the display of a mobile device. Users can leave traces, messages or objects and visually interact with their friends or anyone else in the world. Already existing web services can be enhanced and completely new ways of interaction can be created. Whether it is social networks, multimedia content or game concepts – virtually anything can be embedded in the real world and connected to a certain place. “The possibilities are endless, we are taking the Internet outside to the real world.”

Though Junaio seems to be an alternative to other augmented reality browser-like experience from Layar and Wikitude. Junaio highlights the social networking aspect to the application which allows users to instantly share images and experiences to their friends. A complete video demo is available below.