tldr;

i need an always on, always connected music player that connects to Bluetooth speakers… without a battery

I have built-in bt speakers in some bedroom furniture. they have a remote that controls volume, play, and pause. they’re really meant to connect to an ‘always-on’ device like a tv. when i connect my phone, they loudly exclaim “bluetooth connected”, and “bluetooth disconnected” when the phone bt is turned off or if the phone leaves the area. i like to fall asleep to some relaxing stuff and when i leave in the morning, it of course, wakes up my wife. no good. i’ve been using a tiny, old android phone (kitkat), always on, always connected. i have a playlist of 50 things that are played randomly and in an infinite loop, but turns off with a timer set from the remote. the remote works well. but, i don’t like have a charging battery next to the bed all day and night. AND, i’m not thrilled about the old ass phone that i can’t really do anything with.

so, i’m totally overwhelmed with options. i’ve been looking at all kinds of things that just don’t ‘do it’. i have been using pi(s) for years (easy stuff, like pihole, basic lan based server with docker, other small projects) , but this is a new uncharted category for me.

• 1 anyone know if the remote ( pause and play ) will work with the bt on a pi? it works with a phone. i believe it even worked with my pc.
• 2 what are some apps that will fit this scenario? it would be cool to have maybe web access to the player
• 3 what pi would work best? music only. seems like a pie zero 2 w would work.
• 4 are there any kits? anything ready built? <-- would love this option

thanks for reading