EP40: AI Models Leap Forward, Research Like a Pro Meets AI, FamilySearch Simple Search, Ancestry AI Stories, Anthropic vs. Uncle Sam

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little examine the major AI model upgrades released over the winter, comparing Anthropic's Opus 4.6, OpenAI's GPT 5.4, and Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro and their benefits for genealogists.In a special interview recorded at RootsTech 2026, they sit down with Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer of Family Locket to explore how the Research Like a Pro methodology integrates with AI tools for transcription, locality research, and DNA analysis.In RapidFire, they cover FamilySearch's new Simple Search interface for Full-Text Search, Ancestry's AI Stories feature for understanding historical records, and the escalating conflict between Anthropic and the U.S. federal government over the use of AI by the military.Timestamps:In the News:03:12 New AI Model Releases: Opus 4.6, GPT 5.4, and Gemini 3.1 Pro Transform GenealogyInterview19:40 Interview with Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer: Research Like a Pro Meets AIRapidFire:44:05 FamilySearch Simple Search: Natural Language Meets Full-Text Search48:24 Ancestry AI Stories: Understanding Historical Records with AI53:00 Anthropic vs. U.S. Government: AI Ethics Battle Elevates ClaudeResource Links:New ModelsIntroducing GPT5.4https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5-4/Anthropic releases Opus 4.6https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/05/anthropic-releases-opus-4-6-with-new-agent-teams/Anthropic releases Claude Sonnet 4.6https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/17/anthropic-ai-claude-sonnet-4-6-default-free-pro.htmlGemini 3.1 Prohttps://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/models-and-research/gemini-models/gemini-3-1-pro/Interview with Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer from Family LocketAbout Diana Elder and Nicole Elder Dyerhttps://familylocket.com/about-us/Simple Search for Family Search Full Text SearchHow do I use Fulltext Search?https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-use-fulltext-searchAncestry AI StoriesAncestry Brings Family History to Life with New AI-Powered Storieshttps://www.ancestry.ca/corporate/blog/ancestry-brings-family-history-to-life-with-new-ai-powered-storiAnthropic and the U.S. GovernmentTrump orders government to stop using Anthropic in battle over AI usehttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn48jj3y8ezoAnthropic CEO responds to Trump order, Pentagon clashhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPTNHrq_4LUTags:Artificial Intelligence, Genealogy, Family History, AI Models, RootsTech, FamilySearch, Ancestry, Claude, ChatGPT, Google Gemini