Loopkit is a sound looper app that lets you create music on the go. It works by letting you create a base beat, which is then combined with looped recordings to create a unique piece of music. The looped tracks can be any sound you want (e.g. the cat's meow, vocals, or the rattle of keys) and are captured using the phone's microphone.

When creating a new piece of music there's an option to specify a beat. This takes the form of a simple drum machine module, which lets you create a beat of any length from three drum samples. The timing at which a drum sample should be played is specified by checking a series of boxes, and the overall speed by setting the beats per minute.

Recording a track takes a simple tap, with the time sequencing handled automatically by the app. Up to six tracks can be recorded for each composition and tracks can be of different lengths, though they must all be multiples of the same length (so that they can be combined together). For example, one track might be a simple clapping of hands, one a series of vocals, and another an instrumental track.

Tracks can be easily muted, deleted or played using the intuitive interface. Once a composition is complete, the final step is to finalise the recording (tap the record button at the bottom of the main screen) and give it a name. Finalised recordings are saved and are available for playback from Loopkit's main menu.

Loopkit's functionality is relatively limited (though bear in mind the app is labelled as a beta). This, in part, is a deliberate design decision, with the developers saying they want to keep things simple so that the app is accessible to everyone. However, some functionality, such as an ability to export a compositions outside the app, or to edit an already finalised composition, would be worthy additions to a future version of the app.

Loopkit is not really designed for gifted musicians, who will likely be horrified by the imposed limitations, but for everyone else there's plenty of fun to be had in stretching your creative muscles.

Marketplace description:

Create music on the go, turn your world into a symphony!

Genuinely fun and addicting—use desks, trashcans, instruments, squeaky cat toys, and anything else around you to create music!

Record, loop, adjust, and remove tracks during playback to DJ your own samples. Save your work and show your friends.

Loopkit is a sound looper, so every track you record repeats, allowing you to create multifaceted songs with depth. Create a beat, some vocals, and a chorus—get creative!

Loopkit can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace. It is currently available for free, but the developers are planning to start charging for it shortly.

Here's an introductory video from Loopkit's developers: