Completely disagree on the lack of remote. Hitting a button on a remote is better UI than needing to unlock a phone and hope that it's actually connected to the streaming device (not always the case).
I think the new Chromecast is an admission from Google that the average person still wants a remote.
And in this context; in my 30s and I don't always know where my phone is; My parents, don't always have their phones accessible or know where they are without looking. Also, it's less tactile in the dark.
Perhaps I should say that the best of this type offer the option of using a phone.
I personally prefer a phone but I also understand the preference of a remote. With a separate smart device these types of preferences can be accommodated over time, unlike with a one size fits all smart TV.
I think the new Chromecast is an admission from Google that the average person still wants a remote.