Sora is a free reading app that allows users to read books, magazines, and other materials online. The app provides access to a variety of content and has features that enhance the reading experience. In this article, we will look at how to use Sora, the key features it offers, and how it works.
Getting Started with Sora
Using Sora is easy and straightforward. The first step is to download the app on your device from the App Store or Google Play. Sora is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Once you install the app, you can create an account either through Google, Clever, or Facebook. Alternatively, you can register with your email address. After registering an account, you can start using Sora to access reading content.
Sora allows users to read books and materials without having to physically borrow them from a library. This is made possible through partnerships with public libraries and schools. When you register with Sora using your library card or school credentials, you get access to the digital collection provided through that institution. This gives you an online library at your fingertips from which you can borrow and read books.
If your library or school does not have an integration with Sora, you can still use a variety of free reading materials on the app. These include popular classics, short stories, general non-fiction, and various magazines. Sora partners with publishers to provide access to some of these materials for free with no library card required.
Borrowing and Reading Books
Once set up with an account, users can start exploring the reading content available to them. The app has a built-in search feature that lets you lookup for specific titles, authors, subjects, or keywords. Alternatively, you can browse through the different categories and collections to discover reading materials. Some of the common categories include fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, biographies, history, STEM, and others.
When you find a book you want to read, you simply borrow it with a tap. Sora allows unlimited simultaneous borrowing as digital content can be shared infinitely. You can borrow books for 7, 14, or 21 days at a time. The lending period depends on limits set by the library or publisher. Borrowed books get added to the Shelf which serves as your digital bookshelf. From here, you can start reading the book with just another tap.
Reading an ebook on Sora comes with several enhancements and features that improve engagement and accessibility. Some key ones include:
- Adjustable text size
- Changeable font and color themes
- Adding bookmarks and highlights
- Options to skip chapters and pages
- Landscape or portrait mode reading
- Night reading mode
- Text-to-speech narration
- Dictionary lookup
These features allow readers to customize and control their reading experience based on their preferences and needs.
Renewing and Returning
As the lending period of a book nears its end, users have the option to renew it if there are no pending holds on it. The renew button shows up 3 days before the due date and you can extend your borrowing by another 7, 14 or 21 days depending on the title. If you do not renew in time, the book gets automatically returned and removed from your Shelf.
Users can also manually return a title early if they have finished reading it before the borrowing period lapses. Returned books free up space on your Shelf to borrow more titles.
Key Features of Sora
In addition to an extensive catalog and accessible reading experience, Sora also incorporates other useful features:
Multiple Profiles
Sora allows creating up to 5 reader profiles per account. This can be used for family sharing purposes so that each member can maintain their own Shelf, bookmarks, and reading history.
Downloadability
Users can download borrowed ebooks for offline reading. This allows accessing books without an internet connection. Downloads also help avoid data usage if you read without Wi-Fi.
Reading Insights
The app provides reading insights that track your usage and engagement. You can see details like time spent reading, average session time, titles completed, and more. These metrics can help motivate you to keep reading.
Reading Challenges
Sora includes reading challenges that set reading goals for you. There are challenges like reading 30 minutes everyday or finishing 12 books in a year. Completing challenges earns you badges that appear on your profile.
Audiobooks
Along with ebooks, Sora also includes access to audiobooks from partner libraries. You can listen to the narrated versions through the app’s built-in reader.
Reading Recommendations
The app suggests new books and materials based on your borrowing history and reading interests. This helps you discover your next reads in a personalized manner.
How Sora Works
Under the hood, Sora leverages partnerships, integrations and technology to make digital reading accessible:
Library Integrations
Sora has partnered with thousands of public libraries and schools across the US and Canada. These integrations provide users access to digital collections by linking their library cards or school accounts.
Publishers Catalog
In addition to library books, Sora contains a catalog of titles provided through partnerships with publishers. Users can freely read these without a library affiliation.
Multiple Formats
The app includes both ebooks and audiobooks in different digital formats like PDF, EPUB, and MP3 which are optimized for mobile reading.
Offline Reading
Downloaded books can be read offline through local storage on the user’s device. This allows usage without continuous internet connectivity.
Secure Digital Rights Management
Sora incorporates digital rights management protections on premium publisher content. This prevents unauthorized copying or redistribution.
Cross-Device Synchronization
The app synchronizes reading progress, bookmarks, notes and other information across devices. This allows seamless reading experience on smartphones, tablets and computers.
Conclusion
In summary, Sora offers an easy and accessible way to read books in a digital format. Its partnerships with libraries and schools allow users to borrow from expansive online collections. The app also contains free reading materials from leading publishers. With a customizable reading interface, offline support, audio narration, and cross-device syncing, Sora aims to make reading engaging and enjoyable. Signing up is quick and free for anyone looking to make the most of their mobile devices for reading.