Is Your Device Supported? Check here!
Is Your Device Supported? Check Here!
For New Students
Before your first day at Sora, make sure your device meets our technology recommendations below.
Choosing the right device is a family decision, and the best choice depends on your student's needs, your budget, and how the device might be used outside of Sora. We've laid out the supported options and what each is best suited for below. Tthink of this as context to help you decide, not a single "correct" answer.
Here's a quick recap of what you need to know:
Tablets (including iPads) aren't recommended as a primary Sora device. Some Sora software doesn't run as smoothly on tablet browsers, so you may run into a rougher experience during expedition sessions, especially on Zoom. Contact [email protected] if you'd like further guidance.
Mobile phones aren't supported as a primary device. They can't run the software you'll need day-to-day at Sora.
Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. Make sure your devices can install the most recent OS updates, since these include important security patches.
Using Chromebooks/ChromeOS
We're actively working to improve the experience for students using ChromeOS devices.
Recent updates to Sora Home and Zoom's ChromeOS app have brought greater stability, and we'll keep improving where we can.
Success at Sora is absolutely possible on a Chromebook, but a Mac or Windows device will give you the best overall experience.
Contact [email protected] if you'd like more guidance on using a Chromebook at Sora.
Hardware and Operating System Minimum Recommendations
Students need a computer to fully participate in the Sora program. Here are the minimum recommendations:
Windows
Operating System: Windows 7+ (Windows 10+ recommended)
CPU: Intel/AMD processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12-level GPU
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 10GB of free space
Recommended Browser: Google Chrome
macOS
Operating System: macOS 10.11+ (macOS 10.14+ recommended)
CPU: Intel processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12-level GPU, or Apple M-series chip
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 10GB of free space
Recommended Browser: Google Chrome or Safari
Looking for a Mac and want a sense of your options? Any of these will meet Sora's needs:
MacBook Neo — great for everyday coursework and browser-based tasks like Sora Home, Google Docs, and Zoom.
MacBook Air — a strong fit if you also want to handle photo/video editing or run multiple apps at once.
MacBook Pro — best if you already own one, or if your student's work will include heavier multitasking or creative software beyond what Sora requires.
Internet Connection
Sora recommends a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps to properly access Sora's learning resources. You can run a speed test at speedtest.net.
Mobile Devices for Learning at Sora
Mobile devices like tablets and phones shouldn't be used as your primary device for Sora. Tablets can technically access some Sora software through a browser, but the experience isn't as reliable, and phones don't support the software you'll need at all.
Software Needed on Day 1
Learn more about getting day-1 tech ready for Sora here.
Google/Gmail — your login details will be sent to your parent/guardian email so they can help you log in and start onboarding. Make sure you're logged in and have your password saved somewhere safe. Contact [email protected] if you need a password reset.
Zoom — download, install, and test that you can connect to a meeting. You'll access Sora expeditions and house meetings through your Sora Google Account, so you won't need a separate Zoom account.