Ancestry and MyHeritage unveil new DNA features at RootsTech
Family history websites ancestry.co.uk and myheritage.com both launched major new tools at this year’s RootsTech designed to identify users’ relationships to their DNA matches.
On 28 February, at the four-day family history event in Salt Lake City, Utah, MyHeritage unveiled its Theory of Family Relativity, billed as “a total game-changer in genetic genealogy” that “bridge[s] the gap between DNA matches and historical records”.
MyHeritage engineers and algorithm experts developed the Theory of Family Relativity using data from the website’s nearly 10 billion historical records and family tree profiles. It calculates theories about how MyHeritage DNA customers are related to their DNA matches. Users can view the theories and decide on their accuracy, although it isn’t currently possible to accept or reject a theory. The Theory of Family Relativity is continually updated as users add or delete information on their family trees.
MyHeritage also warned: “We strongly suggest that you review the theories in depth and judge for yourself whether each one is accurate and decide how to best proceed further with your genealogical research. Verifying everything is a best practice that every good genealogist should do regarding all clues and evidence. Remember that theories can be very helpful, but they are not always correct.”
Meanwhile, Ancestry announced that it is rolling out ThruLines, which will be available to AncestryDNA customers who link their public or private tree to their DNA results. The tool shows how many DNA matches they have with their ancestors, and reveals potential new relatives.
In addition, it is beta-testing redesigned DNA matches. They are now easier to sort, group and view, with new features including colour-coding and custom labelling.
MyHeritage also unveiled AutoClusters, a genetic genealogy tool that groups together DNA matches that likely descend from common ancestors in a visual chart.
Both the Theory of Family Relativity and AutoClusters require a MyHeritage ‘Premium’, ‘PremiumPlus’ or ‘Complete’ subscription. Users who upload their raw DNA data from another testing service to MyHeritage can pay a onetime fee of $29 per kit to access these features.
NEXT MONTH Discover more about these tools in next month’s feature on cousin-matching.
Tickets are now on sale for RootsTech London on 24–26 October. Earlybird pricing is £49 for a day, or £89 for all three days. Visit rootstech.org/ london to register.