Closest have come to replicating the Zune experience, without a Zune
Wanted to share this here because I have gone through dozens of devices trying to recapture the Zune magic. It has been tempting to just buy an old zune, but the hassle seems immense. Especially because no base model comes with basics like bluetooth or microsd card expansion. I can solder, but its messy and its always a risk to screw it up and have to buy another one.
Found this chinese made android music player:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHYNRP3N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Runs android 9 which was enough to load in the appropriate apps. Using Musicolet and smart audiobook for the listening apps. VLC for videos. Works well because I can load in my ripped DVDs without converting anything and can enable subtitles / alternate audio tracks.
For the interface, used before launcher. Had to download the APK and install directly. Otherwise it cannot be downloaded. Before launcher is great. Allows you to turn off android status bars, and the text items themselves can be modified in characters, size, order and apps they link to.
Lastly, downloaded keymapper and mapped the back button to long press on the volume down key. Bluetooth toggle to long press volume up key. Keeps it clean and simple. Still organizing the files and apps. Will probably get a standalone app to listen to podcasts and have 2 separate menu items on the front end for Audiobooks / Podcasts. Run the battery saver permanently and getting 30+ hours of listening. About 6-7 hours of video.
Using a 1tb microsd card. Works like a charm.