Early microprocessors, such as the Intel 4004 and Zilog Z80, revolutionized computing by integrating the functions of a computer's central processing unit onto a single chip. Introduced in the early 1970s, these microprocessors enabled the development of smaller, more affordable computers, paving the way for personal computing. The impact of early microprocessors extended beyond just hardware; they spurred innovation in software development and led to the creation of various applications. As technology advanced, these early chips laid the foundation for modern computing, influencing everything from embedded systems to smartphones today.