Latest news with #Ancestry
Fast Company
8 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Ancestry wants your dusty VHS tapes—and here's why
BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 5:51 Ancestry has acquired the home-movies-and-photos digitizer service iMemories, a bet by the genealogy company that subscribers who spend their money on DNA kits and pour their time into building family trees will be further enticed by visual storytelling that weaves all those details together. The transaction will combine Ancestry, which has more than 3.7 million subscribers and generates over $1 billion in subscription revenue annually, with iMemories, the 'Netflix' of old family memories that has more than 100,000 paying subscribers and has digitized over 100 million memories from VHS videotapes, photo prints, DVDs, and other video formats. IMemories was also featured on the 2023 list of Fast Company 's Most Innovative Companies. 'The goal is to bring all family storytelling together into one spot,' says Howard Hochhauser, Ancestry's president and CEO, in an interview with Fast Company. Terms of the transaction weren't disclosed, although Hochhauser says it is Ancestry's largest acquisition in terms of revenue. Blending records with memories By integrating iMemories' content into Ancestry's platform, the combined company will build on a strategy spearheaded by Hochhauser to connect 10,000 terabytes of Ancestry data detailing birth records, marriages, deaths, military service, and immigration with archival family photos and videos. Over time, Ancestry says it will utilize artificial intelligence to weave together visuals from iMemories and Ancestry's own bank of user-uploaded content, as well as AI-created images, to produce short films that can tell family lore stories. 'When a consumer sees a photo versus say, a U.S. census, they retain better, higher engagement, higher retention,' says Hochhauser, who first joined Ancestry in 2009 as chief financial officer and has served as an executive at the company for an initial public offering in 2009, a going-private transaction in 2012, and the 2020 sale to asset manager Blackstone. Turning dusty records into audio This week, and separate from the iMemories transaction, Ancestry is launching a beta AI-enabled pilot to around 500 users that can create audio files from the documents found on Ancestry. Hochhauser says these assets can be especially compelling for younger consumers. He shares an anecdote of how his own 18-year-old son showed little interest in an ancestor's written tale of fighting in World War II. But when the text was converted into audio, Hochhauser says his son was on the edge of his seat when learning about a great uncle's experience in battle, including throwing grenades and eventually earning a Purple Heart. 'That's pretty powerful,' Hochhauser says. 'And so that's the direction we are taking the company.' Hochhauser says prior to the iMemories deal, Ancestry conducted research that found that 40% of its users said they wanted to have a digitization and storage service offered by the company. It also polled non-Ancestry users and found that a third of them shared the same sentiment. AI is speeding up history Ancestry is also leaning on AI to speed up the process of digitizing census data. Thirteen years ago, in 2012, when the U.S. Census Bureau released records for every living person in the country for the year 1940, it took the company nine months and millions of dollars to digitize all of that information. But when the 1950 files were released in 2022, technology had advanced to the point where Ancestry could use computer vision and AI to transcribe the files within nine days, without any manual labor. The company is using AI in a similar manner to comb through records from France, Belgium, and other foreign markets. Privacy concerns loom large The Ancestry-iMemories transaction does come at a heightened moment of consumer anxiety concerning the data protection of personal DNA information held by genomics companies. The 2023 data breach of rival 23andMe, which later fell into bankruptcy, inflamed fears about who would gain control of genetic information when one of these genealogy companies falters. 'People's confidence has been shaken, in Big Tech overall, and also in consumer genomics,' says Dr. Brandon Colby, the founder and CEO of a biotech company that performs whole genome sequencing. 'The need to be extra obvious about transparency is really important. There's no room for people to go and assume that we're trying to do something shady.' Sequencing stresses the company's 'Privacy Forever' commitment to consumers, which details that it sells no data to pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or other outside parties, which is how some genomics companies generate revenue. Colby says Sequencing generates revenue from monthly subscriptions and by selling reports it produces based on genome sequencing that can show consumers details about their reaction to medications or offer tips on better sleep or nutrition strategies. Hochhauser echoes a similar refrain at Ancestry. Users control their own biological samples and DNA data, and have the freedom to delete that information from the service if they'd like. The same approach will be taken with the AI-related content that may be generated from iMemories data. It is up to users how they want to share it, he says. 'We are a family history company,' Hochhauser says. 'Consumers own their data, control their data, and we have multifactor authentication, as an example, and lots of different security protocols in place to protect and preserve data.' The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Kell is a New York-based freelance writer, covering consumer trends, technology, leadership, and sustainability. He is particularly interested in how business leaders respond to changes in culture and how they position their businesses for growth in a fast-changing world. More
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Woman finds long-lost Japanese brother on DNA site and says it's 'a miracle'
A genealogy website that links people's family histories is presently offering a special deal, reducing the cost to just £29. MyHeritage has a proven track record of reuniting separated relatives and provides an extensive range of tools to help users construct their family trees. One woman discovered her long-lost sibling through MyHeritage and described their meeting "as a miracle". Sharon Lovell traced her missing Japanese brother, Akihiko, with assistance from her cousin. "At first, I was in disbelief," Lovell says. "But the evidence seemed undeniable." She detailed how her father had spent years searching for the child, whom he had fathered during military deployment in Japan, and believed the boy had been placed for adoption. Lovell remembered: "I saw my father cry many times throughout my life, because he couldn't find his child. His soul never found peace in this regard." Her father passed away in 2003, "still heartbroken" and "after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis", but many years afterwards, in 2022, Lovell and her lost sibling - a brother - discovered each other through her cousin, who had utilised MyHeritage, reports the Mirror. For those who have experienced similar circumstances or are intrigued about their heritage, there has never been a more opportune moment to take action. For a limited period, the MyHeritage DNA kit costs just £29, down from £79, offering customers over 63% savings. This represents the lowest price the company has ever provided, using this link. The DNA test from MyHeritage is garnering rave reviews for several reasons. The procedure is straightforward: users take a quick, painless swab from their cheek, send it in the provided pre-paid envelope, and receive their results securely online within a few weeks. Once the DNA has been analysed, MyHeritage provides users with an in-depth exploration of their ancestry, revealing everything from their ethnic origins to potential DNA matches with unknown relatives. Users also receive a complimentary 30-day trial of the MyHeritage Complete subscription, which provides access to over 36 billion historical records, intelligent tools for building family trees, and DNA matching to connect with distant relatives. For some other alternatives, shoppers could try Ancestry for prices as low as £79 and it gives detailed insights about family's origins and DNA matches. Another option is Living NDA which is said to be the most detailed ancestry test in the world with one simple cheek swab for £79. Lovell recounts her emotional first meeting with her brother at the airport, where they rushed to each other, hugged, and kissed. ' "The bond we built felt instant and profound. It's almost like we grew up together - it feels that way, because we're very close," she shares. In a heartwarming tale of long-lost siblings reunited, a woman has shared her incredible story of finding her brother after being apart for seventy years, with each living on opposite sides of the globe. She credits MyHeritage for making their reunion possible, stating: "It's all so incredible, so remarkable, how we found one another after seven decades of being apart - each one of us on the other side of the world. "Thanks to MyHeritage being a global platform for family history research, this was possible. You can find what you have been searching for in places you didn't think possible, even in Japan. Every day, there is so much bad news from around the world. "And here we are giving hope, spreading good news to the world. I see our reunion as a miracle. We make a really good team, my brother and I." MyHeritage enjoys a commendable 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on over 67,000 reviews. Users have shared mixed feedback, with one person commenting: "MyHeritage is easy to use, with lots of hints. I also have an Ancestry tree as well, and I find they both complement each other." Another user praised the wealth of information available: "My Heritage is loaded with information to access. Get a DNA test and a whole new ballpark comes into action!". However, not all experiences were positive, as one individual reported: "Trouble logging in to the system. Time delays of hours or 24 hours. Frustrating."
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DNA site that helped woman find long-lost Japanese brother is now under £30
MyHeritage DNA kit is down to £29 from £79. A DNA testing site that connects people's family trees is currently running a special offer - bringing the price down to £29. MyHeritage has a history of connecting long-lost family members and boasts a whole host of resources to build out their family tree. A woman found her long lost brother through MyHeritage and described their reunion "as a miracle". Sharon Lovell found her lost Japanese brother, Akihiko, with the help of her cousin. "At first, I was in disbelief," Lovell says. "But the evidence seemed undeniable." She explained how her father had searched for years for the child - who he fathered while on military service in Japan - and believed he had been put up for adoption. Lovell recalled: "I saw my father cry many times throughout my life, because he couldn't find his child. His soul never found peace in this regard." Her father died in 2003, "still heartbroken" and "after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis", but many years later, in 2022, Lovell and her long lost sibling - a brother - found each other via her cousin, who had used MyHeritage. If anyone has ever been in the same position, or is curious about their roots, there has never been a better moment to act. For a very limited time, the MyHeritage DNA kit is just £29 down from £79 - giving users over 63% off, and it's the lowest price the brand has ever offered, using this link. People are raving about the test for a number of reasons. The process is simple, users just need to do a quick, painless cheek swab, pop it in the post using the pre-paid envelope and get their results securely online in just a few weeks. Once the DNA is processed, MyHeritage gives users a deep dive into their ancestry - from their ethnic origins to potential DNA matches with relatives they never knew they had. There is also a free 30-day trail of the MyHeritage Complete subscription, unlocking access to over 36 billion historical records, smart family free tools to build lineage and DNA matching to connect with distant relatives. For some other alternatives, shoppers could try Ancestry for prices as low as £79 and it gives detailed insights about family's origins and DNA matches. Another option is Living NDA which is said to be the most detailed ancestry test in the world with one simple cheek swab for £79. Lovell explains that when she met her brother for the first time at the airport, they 'ran to each other and hugged and kissed.' "The bond we built felt instant and profound. It's almost like we grew up together - it feels that way, because we're very close," she says. "It's all so incredible, so remarkable, how we found one another after seven decades of being apart - each one of us on the other side of the world. Thanks to MyHeritage being a global platform for family history research this was possible. You can find what you have been searching for in places you didn't think possible, even in Japan," she enthused, adding: "Every day there is so much bad news from around the world. And here we are giving hope, spreading good news to the world. I see our reunion as a miracle. We make a really good team, my brother and I." MyHeritage has a high 4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot from over 67,000 reviews. One person said: "MyHeritage is easy to use, with lots of hints. I also have Ancestry tree as well, and I find they both complement each other." Another said: "My Heritage is loaded with information to access. Get a DNA test and a whole new ballpark comes into action!" Another said: "Trouble logging in to the system. Time delays of hours or 24 hours. Frustrating." "The rep that I spoke to was very knowledgeable about what I was interested in, and gave me a good deal," said another user.
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
WATCH: Fans celebrate launch of new Wrexham AFC shop
The new store has been highly-anticipated by fans across the world since it was announced last month, coinciding with the launch of the new home shirt for the 2025/26 season. Wrexham AFC Club Store (Image: NQ) And for the first time, the new shirt was not only launched in Wrexham, but for international fans across the globe with online purchases available. READ MORE: Ancestry confirmed as Wrexham AFC official club partner for 2025/26 season A simultaneous launch was also held at 3pm (EST) in New York City's Times Square at Pele Soccer where former captain Neil Taylor and Wrexham AFC Women's star Lili Jones met with fans. Inside the store (Image: NQ) With the club shop at the Stok Cae Ras still closed, the only way to get a shirt and experience the thrill and excitement in person in Wrexham is to purchase it at the new store. First in the queue was Logan Davies, Alexis Davies, Hugo Matthews, Ellie Meadows and Rhys Lloyd, who had waited since 5pm - three hours before the official opening at 8pm. First in the queue - Logan Davies, Alexis Davies, Hugo Matthews, Ellie Meadows and Rhys Lloyd (Image: NQ) Other dedicated fans, including young Evie Williams, said she thinks Wrexham will end up in 10th place as they head into the Championship. Thomas Huxley is slightly more optimistic and thinks we could go back-to-back-to-back-to-BACK! Also in the queue were Helena and John McKenzie from Texas who said: "We're just so happy our trip coincides with the opening of the new store. If we were home now, we'd be waiting on the website to purchase the shirts for sure. "This feels really special to be here amongst fans. It's been quite a journey." Former player Mia Roberts welcomed club legends Dixie McNeil and Mickey Thomas to the stage as crowds gathered outside. Fans were then treated to a short film explaining how the kits were made, followed by Dixie and Mickey's predictions for the Championship and how the club has evolved since their time on the pitch. MOST READ The pair then generously met with fans and signed shirts. Mia introduced a 10-second countdown before the doors opened. New and long-time fans ran through the doors to browse the new shirts, as well as gifts, accessories and apparel ranges for the first time. And the best part? The shop remained open until 12am! The event was a reflection of how far the club, co-owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has come in recent years. You can visit the Wrexham AFC Club Store at Eagles Meadow.
Leader Live
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC: Ancestry confirmed as club partner 2025/25
L-R: Wrexham AFC's Ollie Rathbone and James McClean (Image: Wrexham AFC) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. WREXHAM AFC are pleased to announce Ancestry as their new Official Family History Partner. The company's brand is set to feature on the front of the club's new 2025/26 training wear – as worn for the first time on the Wrexham Down Under Tour. Ancestry joins as the club's newest partner, pairing the world's third oldest professional Football Club with the world's leader in family history. Ancestry connects everyone with their past so they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. With their unparalleled collection of more than 65 billion records, over 3 million subscribers and over 27 million people in their growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding about their lives. RELATED READING Wrexham AFC Co-Chairmen Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds said: 'Ancestry is an amazing brand and if they can help us make sense of all the Davies, Williamses and Joneses in Wrexham, the partnership will be worth it for that alone!' The new Macron 2025/26 training wear will debut today as the men's first-team players take to the training pitch at the Home of the Matildas, Melbourne – the first training base on the Wrexham Down Under Tour. The new red-and-teal coloured range, with a red Wrexham AFC club badge, will all feature the Ancestry logo on the front. The range includes training kits, travel wear and an eye-catching warm-up top that draws its design from Welsh history, with a pattern inspired by traditional Welsh tartan. 'We're delighted to welcome Ancestry as our new Official Club Partner now featuring on the front of the club's new training wear,' said Michael Williamson, Wrexham AFC CEO. 'As our club anthem declares, 'History Only Tells A Story' and we can think of no brand which understands that better – helping to tell the stories and unlock the heritage of millions of people across the world. "History and storytelling are woven into our DNA at Wrexham AFC, and we look forward to working with Ancestry to help strengthen the historical connections of not just our football club but of our supporters too.' MOST READ Attica Jaques, Ancestry SVP & GM US Marketing, said: 'At Ancestry, we believe that every story – like every family – has a powerful origin. That's why we're proud to partner with Wrexham AFC, which exemplifies resilience, pride, and the generations that shape us. "Both Ancestry and Wrexham are rooted in authentic storytelling—honouring history, preserving legacy, and spotlighting the people and communities that carry it forward. This partnership invites fans not only to discover the remarkable heritage of the Wrexham club, but also to explore their own family stories.' Retail versions of the training kit will be available soon, with pricing and worldwide availability to be confirmed in due course.
