The AT&T Genesis let you use cartridges to add features to your Phone

In 1983 AT&T started running ads for the Genesis Telesystem. It was a phone system that was almost video game console-like in its ability to use cartridges to add new features and abilities to your home phone. Something which had only previously been possible by going through the phone companies’ central office.

It was an interesting idea and the phone with its flat buttons, promise of future peripherals and carts, and LCD screen seemed like a glimpse into the future.