Regression v1.12/v1.13: SD boot.gif and theme images not loading (works in v1.10.2) AND Tested with BETA 04bdc09

[Raptoredd]

Describe the bug:

On Bruce v1.13 AND Tested with BETA 04bdc09(also tested v1.12), SD-card assets are not loaded: boot.gif placed at the SD root does not play at boot, and UI theme images/icons stored on the SD card do not load (only colors/fonts apply). This works correctly on Bruce v1.10.2 with the exact same SD card and files.

Steps To Reproduce:

• Device used: CYD (ESP32) 2.8" (my unit is CYD-2432S028, but the .bin I used is Bruce-CYD-2432W328R-or-S024R.bin)
• Firmware versions tested: v1.13 (Latest) and v1.12
• Working version for comparison: v1.10.2
• Firmware source: https://bruce.computer/flasher
• Flash method: downloaded the .bin from the Web Flasher, then flashed it using Launcher (ESP32 flashing app / multi-firmware launcher)
• SD card: FAT32
• SD structure:
  • /boot.gif at SD root
  • Theme folder on SD containing theme JSON + referenced PNG assets
  • bruce.conf present (optional; issue persists even after renaming old config and letting Bruce regenerate a new one)

1. Flash Bruce v1.13 .bin using Launcher.
2. Insert the SD card and reboot.
3. Observe that boot.gif does not load at boot.
4. In the UI, select a theme stored on SD and observe that theme images/icons do not load.

Expected behavior:

• boot.gif at SD root should load as the boot animation.
• Theme should load its images/icons from SD (not only colors/fonts).

Actual behavior:

• Boot animation stays default; boot.gif is ignored / not loaded.
• Theme applies colors/fonts but does not load images/icons from SD.

Additional context / logs:

• Regression: works on Bruce v1.10.2 with the same SD card + same files.
• Fails on Bruce v1.12 and v1.13 .bin.
• SD was reformatted FAT32; same result.
• Issue seems related to SD asset loading (boot gif + theme PNGs).

Originally posted by @Raptoredd in #2015