MyHeritage adds photo repair to genealogy site features

GaryPageau ,
An example of Photo Repair. Before (left) and after Photo Repair (right).

Family history site MyHeritage has added photo repair to its image-enhancement toolset. In a blog post, the company announced the new feature “automatically fixes scratches, tears, holes, stains, and other damage on historical photos.” Photo Repair joins a growing stable of tools for colorizing, restoring, and animating historical photos. The company was purchased by private-equity firm Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm, in April, in part due to the popularity of its photo features.

Photo Repair works automatically, as it detects damaged and scratched images, and suggests applying the auto fix by clicking a “repair” button. (The repair button only appears if the system detects the photo is damaged.) The Photo Repair technology was licensed exclusively by MyHeritage from DeOldify, created by deep learning experts Jason Antic and Dana Kelley, according to the blog post. Photo Repair is one of several technologies licensed from DeOldify and integrated into MyHeritage’s photo tools.

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.