I've been looking for the perfect streaming device for a long time; I tend to shy away from Roku because I don't really like the interface, and Amazon's Fire TV has too many ads and doesn't support Google services like YouTube.

Given the last point, it's probably no surprise that I got a new Chromecast with Google TV to take charge of streaming in my new apartment.

I've always liked Chromecast because of its simplicity and its broad support for any app with a cast button. I watch a lot of auto racing, and the simple fact is that many of the apps for the various motorsports series are either missing from most streaming hardware (especially devices like the PS4 and Apple TV) or are rarely updated, making them unusable. [But Chromecast has always avoided this dilemma. With the app, you can almost certainly cast and watch whatever you want, whenever you want.

The downside of previous Chromecast models is, of course, the lack of a remote control or actual interface. This is because Chromecast is attractive because it can use existing Android and iOS apps, and it is a more streamlined user experience to use your phone to launch and control content rather than picking up a remote control. However, we also understand that some people prefer a remote control.

You can see what I mean. I was initially intrigued by the new Chromecast/Google TV combination. I can cast just as before. All of the apps that I already cast work just as well on the new device as they ever have. But there is also a smart interface and a remote control to navigate it, as well as Google Assistant for voice commands.

Add in 4K streaming (not so important, since I don't have a 4K TV yet, but still valuable), and the Chromecast with Google TV seems like the perfect streaming device for my needs.

Naturally, I got mine the day it was announced. Fortunately, it has lived up to my expectations, and aside from one minor issue, I think this is the perfect streaming device for anyone who liked the old Chromecast and wants something a little more sophisticated and with a remote control.

Speaking of the remote control, this is another great design. I like that it can be paired with the TV for basic functions like power on/off, volume, and input switching. I also like that it has Netflix and YouTube buttons mixed in with the other buttons. Of course, whether it's worth devoting prime real estate to these apps depends largely on how often you use them.

But what about the only issue I have with the new Chromecast? Unfortunately, it relates to performance. Whatever fault the system hits while navigating between menus, it never lasts long. However, there is a slight lag, especially when trying to boot the device from hibernation and load the home screen, which can be a bit frustrating.

To be fair, this slight lag in response may have been seen in previous Chromecast models as well. I'm also a little frustrated that the new Chromecast can't draw power from the USB port on my TV.

Overall, however, I am very pleased with the new Chromecast; at $49, this little dongle checks all the boxes I could reasonably ask for, from the beauty of the actual hardware itself to the interface design of Google TV It looks great, too, and if you've been disappointed over the years with various alternatives like Amazon, Roku, and Google, you should definitely check it out.