The Family History AI Show

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore how DeepSeek has dramatically changed the AI landscape by releasing a powerful, inexpensive, open-source model that challenges American dominance in AI. They celebrate the first anniversary of FamilySearch's Full-Text Search, which has expanded from three collections to three thousand in just one-year, revolutionizing access to billions of previously unsearchable records. Mark and Steve examine how Google and Microsoft are integrating AI into their productivity platforms, making these tools accessible to mainstream family historians at minimal cost. This week's Tip of the Week demystifies the difference between instructional and reasoning AI models, helping genealogists choose the right tool for the right job. In RapidFire, they discuss the ambitious $500 billion Project Stargate, major model updates from Gemini and Grok, and how Deep Research capabilities are becoming standard across all AI platforms. TIMESTAMPS: In the News: 04:34 DeepSeek Shakes the AI World: Game-Changing Model from China 15:51 FamilySearch Full-Text Search Turns One: From Thousands to Billions of Records 23:33 Google and Microsoft Go All-In: AI Integrated into Workspace Tools Tip of the Week: 29:22 Know Your Model: Understanding Instructional vs. Reasoning AI RapidFire: 42:25 The Stargate Project: $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Initiative 45:38 Major Model Updates: Gemini 2.0 and Grok 3 Beta Released 48:41 Deep Research Becomes Industry Standard: Available Across All Major Platforms RESOURCE LINKS: DeepSeek Backgrounder https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeepSeek Family Search Free Text Search https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text/collection/list Free Text Search of Ireland, Properties, from 1298 to 1975 https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text/collection/M9J1-ZYL Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/16/copilot-is-now-included-in-microsoft-365-personal-and-family/ Google AI now Included in Workspace Plans https://workspace.google.com/blog/product-announcements/empowering-businesses-with-AI Introducing OpenAI o1 https://openai.com/o1/ OpenAI o3-mini https://openai.com/index/openai-o3-mini/ Announcing The Stargate Project https://openai.com/index/announcing-the-stargate-project/ Gemini 2.0 is now available to everyone https://blog.google/technology/google-deepmind/gemini-model-updates-february-2025/ Grok 3 Beta — The Age of Reasoning Agents https://x.ai/blog/grok-3 Try Deep Research https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-gemini-deep-research/ Introducing deep research from OpenAI https://openai.com/index/introducing-deep-research/ Introducing Perplexity Deep Research https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-perplexity-deep-research TAGS: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Genealogy, Family History, DeepSeek, AI Models, FamilySearch, Full-Text Search, Open Source AI, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Reasoning Models, Instructional Models, Language Models, Stargate Project, AI Infrastructure, Research Tools, Deep Research, AI Capabilities

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little share their predictions for artificial intelligence developments in 2025, with a special focus on how these changes will affect genealogists and family historians. They explore the emergence of AI agents, the shift to running language models locally on personal devices, and the introduction of chatbots to social media platforms. Mark and Steve also discuss how AI writing tools will become mainstream, even as costs decrease and capabilities increase. Their predictions include both opportunities and challenges, examining which tools may thrive and which may disappoint in the coming year. They conclude with "anti-predictions" – capabilities that, despite high hopes, probably won't materialize in 2025. TIMESTAMPS: What We Can Look Forward to In 2025 01:02 AI Agents: The Next Big Thing 08:06 Local Language Models: Improved Privacy and Security 13:09 Social Media Chatbots: Coming to Your Groups 18:24 AI Writing Tools: The New Normal 24:16 AI Costs: Dropping Fast 30:43 The AI Horse Race: Who Will Lead? Anti-Predictions: What Won't Happen in 2025 36:01 Handwritten Text Recognition 40:21 AI Generated Family Trees and Diagrams 44:06 Generated Text in Images RESOURCE LINKS: Using Claude for 'Computer Use' Tasks https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/build-with-claude/computer-use [https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/build-with-claude/computer-use] OpenAI's Operator Agent https://openai.com/index/introducing-operator/ [https://openai.com/index/introducing-operator/] Facebook's New AI Tool for Groups https://aigenealogyinsights.com/2024/10/22/exploring-facebooks-new-ai-tool-for-groups/ [https://aigenealogyinsights.com/2024/10/22/exploring-facebooks-new-ai-tool-for-groups/] What to Know About DeepSeek and How It Is Upending A.I. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/technology/what-is-deepseek-china-ai.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/technology/what-is-deepseek-china-ai.html] Trump's $500B Stargate AI Initiative https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2025/01/23/trumps-ai-push-understanding-the-500-billion-stargate-initiative/ [https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2025/01/23/trumps-ai-push-understanding-the-500-billion-stargate-initiative/] TAGS: artificial intelligence, technology, genealogy, family history, AI predictions, AI agents, local AI, social media, chatbots, AI writing, language models, OpenAI, DeepSeek, privacy, security, AI costs, machine learning, computer automation, research tools, future technology

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore Google's powerful end-of-year releases that challenge other AI platforms. They examine Google's Deep Research tool and its ability to quickly create comprehensive research reports by combining information from multiple sources. Next, they discuss Facebook's controversial introduction of AI assistants to Facebook groups and what this might mean for genealogy communities. The hosts review Google's NotebookLM's significant updates, including enhanced audio capabilities and collaborative features that could transform how genealogists work together. This week's Tip of the Week demonstrates how ChatGPT Projects can organize and enhance genealogical research, with Steve using his approach to a 2025 genealogy do-over as an example. In RapidFire, they cover Google's new fact benchmark, Gemini 2.0's release, AI-enhanced search results, and OpenAI's O3 announcement. TIMESTAMPS: In the News: 06:44 Google Deep Research: The New Challenger to Perplexity 18:03 Facebook Groups Get AI Assistants 24:57 NotebookLM: Major Updates for Collaborative Projects Tip of the Week: 32:15 ChatGPT Projects: Organizing Your Genealogy Do-Over RapidFire: 41:52 Google's New Fact Benchmark 44:00 Gemini 2.0 Release 48:34 Google AI-Enhanced Search Results 54:48 OpenAI's O3 Model Announcement RESOURCE LINKS: AI Seminar at the Victoria Genealogical Society https://victoriags.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=554933&item_id=2488526 Legacy Family Tree Webinars: "Genealogy Meets AI: Panel Discussion" https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/genealogy-meets-ai-panel-discussion/ Introducing Gemini 2.0: our new AI model for the agentic era https://blog.google/technology/google-deepmind/google-gemini-ai-update-december-2024/ Certified Arborist Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/12652295162 Exploring Facebook's New AI Tool for Groups https://aigenealogyinsights.com/2024/10/22/exploring-facebooks-new-ai-tool-for-groups/ NotebookLM gets a new look, audio interactivity and a premium version https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/notebooklm-new-features-december-2024/ Using Projects in ChatGPT https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-using-projects-in-chatgpt A new benchmark for evaluating the accuracy of large language models https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/facts-grounding-a-new-benchmark-for-evaluating-the- factuality-of-large-language-models/ AI Overviews in Search are coming to more places around the world https://blog.google/products/search/ai-overviews-search-october-2024/ OpenAI announces new o3 models https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/20/openai-announces-new-o3-model/ TAGS AI, Artificial Intelligence, Genealogy, Family History, Technology, OpenAI, Google, Perplexity, ChatGPT, Meta, Content Licensing, AI Conferences, AI Outage, Ethical AI, Disclosure, Genealogy Research, OpenAI Licensing, Google AI Issues, Perplexity Pages, ChatGPT Updates, Meta AI Developments, Grok.AI, AI in Genealogy, AI Tools, Technology in Genealogy, AI Transparency, AI and Privacy

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore OpenAI's "12 Days of OpenAI" campaign, particularly focusing on their new reasoning models and the expanded availability of Canvas across all ChatGPT models. They examine how ChatGPT's new camera view in Advanced Voice Mode transforms mobile research capabilities, demonstrating real-world applications for genealogists. This week's Tip of the Week reveals how to get the most out of free AI tools by leveraging each one's strengths: Gemini for summarization, Perplexity for research, ChatGPT for reasoning, and Claude for writing. In RapidFire, they discuss Apple's cautious AI updates in iOS 18.2, the release of GPT Search for free account holders, Harvard's million-book donation for AI training, and OpenAI's festive Santa Chat feature. TIMESTAMPS: In the News: 02:41 12 Days of OpenAI: New Features and Updates 12:15 Canvas Integration: Now Available Across All Models 17:24 Advanced Voice Mode: ChatGPT Gets Camera View Tip of the Week: 23:29 Maximizing Free AI Tools: The Right Tool for Each Task RapidFire: 35:52 Apple Intelligence: iOS 18.2 AI Features 40:20 Free GPT Search Goes Public 45:22 Harvard's Million-Book Donation for AI Training 51:52 OpenAI's Santa Chat Mode Resource LinksChatGPT https://chatgpt.com/ 12 Days of OpenAI https://openai.com/12-days/ ChatGPT Canvas Feature https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/chatgpt/openai-announces-official-launch-of-canvas-for-writing-and-coding-heres-whats-new ChatGPT Projects Feature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcB97h3vrzk GPT Search is now free  https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2024/12/16/chatgpt-search-now-free-for-all-heres-why-you-should-try-it/ Advanced Voice Mode with Vision https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/chatgpt/chatgpt-advanced-voice-with-vision-just-launched-heres-how-to-try-it ChatGPT Search and the Chrome Extension https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-search/ Claude https://claude.ai Claude Projects https://www.anthropic.com/news/projects Gemini https://gemini.google.com Perplexity AI https://www.perplexity.ai Perplexity Pages https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/perplexity-pages Apple Intelligence https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence Harvard Digital Collections https://hls.harvard.edu/today/harvards-library-innovation-lab-launches-initiative-to-use-public-domain-data-to-train-artificial-intelligence/ https://institutionaldatainitiative.org/ ChatGPT Santa Mode https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10139238-santa-s-voice-in-chatgpt TAGS (BROAD TO SPECIFIC, UNIQUE TERMS) Artificial Intelligence, Genealogy, OpenAI, Family History Research, Voice Technology, ChatGPT, AI Tools, Content Creation, Canvas, 12 Days of OpenAI

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little reveal their top recommendations for AI tools worth paying for in 2025. They also discuss which AI tools aren't worth paying for in 2025. One of them might surprise you! Next, Mark and Steve begin their review of OpenAI's "12 Days of OpenAI" announcements, beginning with the release of their enhanced O1 reasoning model. This new model will help you plan your family history research. This week's Tip of the Week challenges conventional thinking about AI hallucinations, suggesting ways to leverage this characteristic as a feature rather than a bug. In RapidFire, Mark and Steve examine Microsoft's Copilot Vision beta release, Apple's cautious AI rollout strategy, Google's new memory feature in Gemini, and XAI's significant funding round. TIMESTAMPS: In The News: 03:10 AI Tools Worth Paying For in 2025 19:48 Specialty AI Tools to Consider in 2025 26:46 AI Tools Not Worth Paying For in 2025 32:26 OpenAI's 12 Days of Gifts Begins Tip of the Week: 40:10 Treat AI Hallucinations as a Feature, not a Bug RapidFire: 50:06 Microsoft Copilot Vision Beta Launch 53:18 Apple's Intelligence Rollout Plans 56:20 Google Gemini Adds Memory Feature 59:34 XAI's $6 Billion Funding Round RESOURCE LINKS ChatGPT Plus https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-plus/ [https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-plus/] ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8400625-voice-mode-faq [https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8400625-voice-mode-faq] Claude Pro https://claude.ai/ [https://claude.ai/] Perplexity Pro https://www.perplexity.ai/pro [https://www.perplexity.ai/pro] Acrobat AI Assistant https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/using/generative-ai.html [https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/using/generative-ai.html] Eleven Labs https://elevenlabs.io/ [https://elevenlabs.io/] Mid Journey https://www.midjourney.com/ [https://www.midjourney.com/] Microsoft Copilot Pro https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot [https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot] Grammarly https://www.grammarly.com/ [https://www.grammarly.com/] ChatGPT O1 Model https://openai.com/o1/ [https://openai.com/o1/] ChatGPT O1 Pro https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-pro/ [https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-pro/] Microsoft Copilot Vision https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/2024/12/05/copilot-vision-now-in-preview-a-new-way-to-browse/ [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/2024/12/05/copilot-vision-now-in-preview-a-new-way-to-browse/] Apple Intelligence https://www.apple.com/ca/apple-intelligence/ [https://www.apple.com/ca/apple-intelligence/] Siri https://www.apple.com/siri/ [https://www.apple.com/siri/] Gemini Memory Feature https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/googles-gemini-chatbot-now-has-memory/ [https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/googles-gemini-chatbot-now-has-memory/] X AI Platform https://x.ai/ [https://x.ai/] TAGS (BROAD TO SPECIFIC, UNIQUE TERMS) Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Genealogy, Family History, Machine Learning, AI Tools, AI Product Reviews, AI Pricing, Voice Technology, Image Generation, Research Tools, AI Ethics, Content Creation, Professional Research, Language Models