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SAM Studio is browser-based, so you don’t need to install any software to get started — just open Chrome and go. Most modern devices are supported, though a few features (especially Bluetooth pairing) work best on specific platforms and browsers. Review the information below before your lesson to make sure your devices are ready.

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Supported Operating Systems

SAM Studio runs on the following operating systems:
  • ChromeOS — fully supported, including Bluetooth pairing with the SAM Labs Bluetooth helper
  • Windows 10 / 11 — fully supported in Chrome
  • macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later — fully supported in Chrome
  • iPadOS — SAM Space is available as a native iOS app; SAM Script and SAM Blockly require Chrome on a desktop or laptop
No software installation is required for web-based use. On Chromebook, you may need to install the SAM Labs Bluetooth helper extension for Bluetooth pairing — see Troubleshooting if pairing doesn’t work.
Google Chrome is the recommended browser for SAM Studio. Chrome is required for Bluetooth pairing on all desktop platforms. Firefox and Safari support most SAM Studio features but do not support Web Bluetooth, so you won’t be able to pair physical SAM blocks in those browsers.
Always use the latest version of Chrome for the best experience. You can check your Chrome version by navigating to chrome://settings/help in your address bar.

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Platform and Feature Compatibility

Use the table below to quickly check which SAM Studio tools and features are available on your device.
PlatformSAM SpaceSAM BlocklySAM ScriptBluetooth Pairing
Chromebook (Chrome)✅✅✅✅ (with helper)
Windows (Chrome)✅✅✅✅
macOS (Chrome)✅✅✅✅
iPad (iOS app)✅✅❌✅
Any browser (non-Chrome)✅✅✅❌

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iOS and iPad

The SAM Space iOS app is available on the App Store and supports Bluetooth pairing with physical SAM blocks directly from your iPad. SAM Blockly is also accessible through the iOS app. However, SAM Script is not available on iOS — students who need to use SAM Script should work on a Chromebook, Windows PC, or Mac running Chrome.

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Chromebooks and Bluetooth

Bluetooth pairing on Chromebook requires the SAM Labs Bluetooth helper Chrome extension. Without it, your Chromebook may not detect SAM blocks even if Bluetooth is enabled.
Not all Chromebook models support Web Bluetooth. If the SAM Labs Bluetooth helper extension does not resolve your pairing issue, check with your IT administrator or refer to the Troubleshooting page for next steps.