Final answer:
The technical innovations needed before home computers became practical were miniaturization and microprocessors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technical innovations needed before home computers became practical were miniaturization and microprocessors.
Miniaturization and microprocessors played a crucial role in reducing the size and cost of computers. The invention of the microchip allowed for the integration of hundreds of circuits onto a single chip, making it possible to shrink a computer from the size of a room to a small desktop box.
By reducing size and cost, miniaturization and microprocessors made computers accessible and affordable for ordinary consumers, leading to the development of personal computers by companies such as Apple and IBM.