Can we talk about how even the smartest AIs still don’t know how to pick out my shoes?

No, really! The other night, I was deep in the online shopping rabbit hole—blame a late-night craving for the perfect pair of sneakers—when I stumbled upon the news that Bluehost (yep, the web hosting giant) is rolling out a new managed WordPress hosting plan with built-in AI tools. If you missed it, check out the full scoop on Search Engine Journal.

The pitch? AI-powered everything for ecommerce—layouts, product descriptions, even content suggestions. It’s supposed to make launching your own store a breeze. And honestly, I’m all in for anything that makes tech less terrifying for business newbies and side-hustlers alike.

But here’s the thing: for all the algorithms and neural networks, shopping online still feels... well, kind of lonely. And, ironically, kind of generic. That’s the little elephant in the AI-powered room.

AI: The Hype (and the Reality)

Let’s get real. Artificial intelligence is everywhere in 2025, especially in ecommerce.

• Personalized recommendations? Powered by AI.
• Product images swapping based on your “style profile”? AI again.
• Chatbots that can hold a conversation about waterproof mascara for 10 minutes straight? Yup, you guessed it.

But for all that, we’re still staring at flat images on screens and hoping the color of that T-shirt looks as good IRL as it does on our phone at midnight. I mean, if you’ve never returned a “gorgeous emerald dress” that turned out to be neon slime-green, are you even human?

Enter: The “See-It-On-Me” Revolution

So here’s where things get seriously interesting.

What if you could see yourself in the product before you buy—literally? Not just a model who’s “about your size” or an AI-generated avatar that maybe, possibly resembles you. I’m talking about using your own photos and seeing your face (or living room, or dog, honestly) right there in the product photos. That’s more than AI recommendations—it’s personalization you can actually feel.

This is where companies like eXPeriential Preview 9 (or XP9, if you want to keep your keyboard fingers happy) are shaking things up. Their Chrome extension lets you insert your own images into Amazon product photos—think of it as a “try before you buy,” but way, way cooler.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve ever hesitated before clicking “add to cart,” you get it: Online shopping is full of what-ifs.

• Will these glasses flatter my roundish face?
• Does this couch match that weird shade of off-white in my apartment?
• Is that backpack going to look comically huge on me or just right?

AI can guess. XP9 lets you know. Their extension wraps in seamlessly with Amazon and requires zero tech expertise. It’s like AR, but without the complicated setup or clunky apps. And here’s the kicker: tools like this aren’t just fun—they actually help reduce returns (and who doesn’t hate mail-back day?), which is good for shoppers, businesses, and the planet.

Will AI Ever Replace the Personal Touch?

Back to that AI-powered hosting news: Yes, it’s a game-changer for merch sellers and creators. The ease of spinning up a slick online shop, thanks to Bluehost’s AI features, is a win for everyone who wants their side project to look pro. But launching a store is just the beginning.

The real secret sauce? Making sure that every person who lands on your site is seen, not just as a “user” or “conversion,” but as a unique individual. That’s something no AI—at least not yet—can truly fake.

This is why something as simple as seeing your own face in a product photo changes everything. It’s not just another widget. It’s a reminder that shopping, at its core, is wonderfully, stubbornly personal.

So, What’s Next for E-Commerce?

AI is taking us to new places—smart recommendations, automated content, even predicting what we’re going to buy next (hello, slightly creepy but also convenient). But don’t sleep on the tools that put the human back in the loop.

If you’re curious, check out XP9’s personalized preview extension. It’s honestly one of the cleverest ways to get over that final “should-I-or-shouldn’t-I?” hump in your online shopping adventures. (Don’t blame me if your cart gets fuller.)

TL;DR: - AI is making online store setup ridiculously easy. - But when it comes to actually buying, we crave something real—our faces, our spaces, our choices. - The future of e-commerce isn’t just smarter AI; it’s smarter personalization.

What do you think? Would seeing yourself wearing or using a product make you more likely to buy—or is there still something magical about the in-store experience? Drop your thoughts below (you know we love a good debate)!

And if you try out any of these new tools, tell us how it changes your shopping game. Are you Team AI, Team Try-On, or both?