Most Active Speaker

Anders Norås

Anders Norås

Director of Software Leadership at Avanade

Oslo, Norway

Originally educated in arts and design, Anders has spent the last twenty years writing code.

He has given numerous talks and keynotes at conferences such as JavaZone, NDC, J-Fall, Øredev and many more. Have given 100+ conference talks to a variety of audiences including media, design and hardcore computer science. Known for an energetic and highly engaging presentations.

Awards

  • Most Active Speaker 2023

Area of Expertise

  • Arts
  • Information & Communications Technology
  • Media & Information

Topics

  • Modern Software Development
  • Digital Experience
  • Digital Design
  • Software Deveopment
  • Software Engineering
  • Software Architecture
  • Arts
  • Music

Demoscene: The Golden Years

Step into the time machine and journey back to the vibrant era of the 1990s with Anders Norås as he delves into the genre defining era of the 16-bit demoscene.
These were the glory days where human ingenuity clashed with machine capabilities in a perpetual battle of digital creativity. In this lighting talk, attendees will be treated to a nostalgic exploration of the subculture's pinnacle, witnessing firsthand the relentless competition and boundless innovation that defined this epoch. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or completely new to the scene, prepare to be entertained and inspired by the timeless ingenuity and artistic fervor that characterized this era. Join us for a journey through time and witness the enduring legacy of creativity that still makes its marks on popular culture.

The Cultural History of WinAmp ⚡️

In this short talk Anders Norås takes you on a trip into the world of one of the most influential software products ever. You’ll discover the endless creativity of the user interface as an artistic expression, the Easter eggs and myths of the Winamp lore and how Winamp’s influence has reached way beyond the little box on your screen.

The History of Computer Art

Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of computer programming as a realm of boundless creativity and expression. From the LSD-fueled hacking subculture in the 1960s San Francisco Bay Area to the dynamic web gallery of today, discover how programming has evolved into a breathtaking art form.

This talk delves into the awe-inspiring stories of artists who, coming from fine arts backgrounds, stumbled upon the magic of computers in the 1970s. We'll unravel the mysteries of mathematical algorithms that have become the still lives and croquis nudes of computer art, adding a touch of beauty and emotional resonance to the digital canvas.

Relive the rebellious 1980s, where amateur programmers ignited the demoscene movement, echoing the ethos of the street art. Explore the fusion of technology and rebellion, where code became a medium for expressing raw, unbridled creativity.

In the digital age, witness the internet transform into a global gallery, showcasing not only the final masterpieces but also the code itself as a form of art. Marvel at the unexpected instances where a computer printout of a well-known algorithm commands thousands at art auctions, blurring the lines between traditional and digital markets.

We'll unravel the artistic potential of mathematical algorithms, exploring how they breathe life into digital works. Moreover, we'll showcase instances where the code itself is the masterpiece, challenging conventional perceptions of art.

Be prepared for a visually engaging experience supported by stunning imagery and beautiful code, aiming to inspire you to dive into the rich world of computerized art. Gain insights into the frameworks and tools that empower you to channel your creativity through code. Join us in embracing the fusion of technology and imagination, where the possibilities for artistic expression are as limitless as lines of code on a screen.

Maybe you'll even have an answer to the everlasting question of "What is art?".

Vapourware: The best software that never was

We’ve all had grand ideas and small side projects, but some people have turned these into grandiose software projects that never got released.

In this talk, Anders Norås tells the stories of some of the wild software projects people have started, what happened and who the people behind them were. You’ll learn about a lost version of Microsoft Windows where the teams worked for years to bring some of Bill Gates’ visions for the operating system to life, before the project came to a sudden end. You’ll see the never release computers that could have made IBM the leader of the home computer market. You’ll learn about a music streaming service that could have beaten Spotify to the game. You’ll hear the heart-moving story of the “world’s greatest web browser” which has been in the making for more than six decades. And many, many other mind boggling stories of ambitious software projects.

This is the best software you never got to use.

Marvels of Teenage Engineering

Since the dawn of the microcomputer era, kids have been wonderstruck by the amazing things computers can do. Some of these kids went on to write groundbreaking programs pushing their computers way beyond the limits of what their computers were designed for.

In this talk Anders Norås tell the previously untold stories of these Marvels of Teenage Engineering. We’ll get to see vintage code on vintage computers using black magic programming tricks so advanced that they will amaze even the most seasoned developers.

A Brief History of Computer Music

Computer programmed music has come a long way since the CSIR Mark 1 played a scratchy Colonel Bogie back in the early 1950s. In this talk we'll go on a journey through the history of music made with code. We'll meet the pioneers who invented computer music, visit classic video game soundtracks, learn how computer musicians made big sounds with tiny tech, how algorithms create never-ending soundtracks and the huge impact computer music has had on popular culture. Expect lots of nostalgia, vintage code on vintage computers and a musical experience of epic proportions.

Green Code

Green computing is always about energy efficient servers, hardware without hazardous materials and other things that appeal to hardware buffs. Cloud computing is great, but what else can us programmers do to help the environment?
Back in 2010, Anders showed us how to be eco-friendly through writing better code and smarter business logic in his NDC lightning talk Green Code.

Now ten years later, at dawn of the decade where the world needs to deliver on the UN Sustainability Goals, Anders revisits his 2010 presentation to explore how we programmers can contribute to eco-friendliness by writing better code and designing better software.

4.294.967.295 - A number, Three Accidents and a Looming Catastrophe

At first glance, 4,294,967,295 seems like a pretty large, yet innocent number. Easy mistake to make. Anders talks about the trouble this number has caused, and why it will be the end of the world in 2038.

Copenhagen Developers Festival 2024 Sessionize Event Upcoming

August 2024 Copenhagen, Denmark

.NET DeveloperDays 2024 Berlin Sessionize Event Upcoming

June 2024 Berlin, Germany

NDC Oslo 2024 Sessionize Event Upcoming

June 2024 Oslo, Norway

Anders Norås

Director of Software Leadership at Avanade

Oslo, Norway

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