TL:dr Google hardware should be easier to set up
I was setting up a new Google TV dongle and couldn't figure out why it wasn't showing up on my phone to use the phone as a remote. I checked to see if there were any updates available but it was up to date.
I found a few articles talking about how you have to check the version of the TV Remote app on the dongle (hidden in system apps) and if it's lower than 5.x version you need to update. My device, even though it said it was up to date, was on 4.x. I had to go into the play store on my phone, find the app, and install it on the device that way.
If Google wants "regular" people to buy their hardware, they REALLY need to concentrate on making things work without having to do so much troubleshooting and jumping through hoops
I use "Android Tv ADB Mouse" app as keyboard. I cannot fully replace regular remote control. But it's much fast typing on Phone than on numerical buttons