What I would like to do is a very simple MP3 player (just for headphones) where I can program the sequence of songs programmatically from various folders. Ideally very compact (nano footprint if possible) and preferably with a tiny display.
Is there a MP3 player board or shield with as many of the following features as possible:
as small as possible (for Arduino nano or even smaller Arduino boards)
straight plug-in into an arduino board (no wires)
MP3 player with full library already available which supports folders so I can play songs only form specific folders
and ideal - but NOT essential - jack that supports headphones button functionality (play, stop, volume) like mobile phones
Also are there small plug-in displays for the Arduino nano? I haven’t found any so far.
Alternatively, if you have any other ideas/suggestions to go about it, please share them.
I think the simplest and most compact solution for what you want is the DFPlayer Mini.
It already supports MP3 folders, has a stable Arduino library, and even includes a built-in headphone amplifier. It’s much easier than trying to decode MP3 on a Nano yourself.
For a tiny display, a 0.96" I2C OLED is probably your best option — small, reliable, and plenty of examples available.
If you want to read more or see sample projects, this page is a great starting point:
try a search on Amazon or Ebay for ESP32 LCD module, e.g. ESP-32 with 1.9 inch LCD Display
then try searching for Arduino MP3 player, e.g. DFPlayer - Mini MP3 Player which can be controlled using commands over serial TTL to select tracks etc
e.g. DFPlayer connected to an ESP32 using TTL serial
The OLED are 3.3vdc, and took some figuring to get working, so I wrote a sketch/simulation that looks nice, and introduces you to many of the drawing and text functions.
I too recommend the DFR MP3 player as did @taha_zarif90. Given the relatively simple functionality you require it might even be possible with the very small 8-pin aTTiny85 chip. Or similar.
I suggest you get the sketch and 16-pin DFR player module developed using a Nano or Uno, so that you can debug with serial printing via a USB connection. Then, if physically desirable (and possible), remove the serial printing, edit the pin assignments and upload it to a Tiny85.
If you decide to go with that or a similar approach, come back when you have started the project if you need further help.
