Why does Google Analytics use a one-pixel picture to transfer data?

Question

Google Analytics embeds a one pixel GIF with a URL like this:

http://www.google-analytics.com/__utm.gif?utmwv=5.1.5&utms=5&utmn=1532897343&utmhn=www.         


        

Answer 1

To maximize compatability. A cell phone browser may not support AJAX, for example, and thus may provide inadequate results. But hey, Google does a lot of funky stuff that nobody can explain.