Whether you JUST got your Palm Pre or you are anticipating having it in your hand as soon as the next shipments hit the stores, you’ll want to update to WebOS version 1.0.2. Not only does it add features and improvements to the clock and speed up the camera, but it also cures some subtle bugs and minor fixes.

Here is the actual changelog published by Palm:

New applications

Clock

• Use your phone as an alarm clock.
• Create and save multiple alarms.
• Customize sounds for individual alarms.
• View a full-screen time display.
• Switch the time display between analog and digital.

Feature changes to existing applications

Camera

• Increased speed of return to capture mode when taking successive photos.

Other

• Numerous bug fixes for Email, Calendar, and other applications.

Nothing major but there is no sense in running outdated software on your brand new device! Also of interest is some details Palm provides about OTA updates. Starting off with how the heck they work. It sounds like hitting up Wi-Fi for your OTA updates is the best idea:

Palm provides system updates wirelessly to webOS phones. These updates are released periodically and are intended to increase stability, improve the user experience, and in some cases add functionality to the phone. Software updates cannot be downloaded on a 1xRTT connection because it would block incoming phone calls. You need to be in an EVDO network coverage area or connect the device to a Wi-Fi network. System updates are intended to be automatically installed. In order for this to happen, your phone’s battery must have a 30% (or higher) charge. We recommend that you charge your battery frequently as this also improves battery life. Never remove your battery during an update as it may permanently damage your phone. There are several steps to a system update, but almost all of them are performed automatically.

You might want to check for updates manually every now and then since your phone will only check for updates once every 7 days. Or you can just stay glued to PalmWebOS.org and we’ll let you know the latest. By the way kind of interesting that once an update has been available for 7 days, if you haven’t already chosen to download it, Palm will force you to download it:

All system updates require your battery to be charged to at least 30% and do not install if you are on a phone call. System updates must be installed within 7 days of the download. If 7 days have passed and you have not installed the update, the update automatically installs when your battery is charged to over 30% and you are not on a phone call. Within the 7 days, you can choose to postpone the install when prompted to start it. If you postpone, the following occurs:

• The next three times the phone is charged, an alert with “Install Later” and “Install Now” buttons is displayed. This alert is on a 10-minute countdown. If you have not tapped “Install Later” after 10 minutes, installation begins. The 10-minute timer also begins if you plug in the phone and have at least a 30% battery charge.
• The fourth time that the phone is charged, the alert only displays an “Install Now” button. After a 10-minute countdown, the installation begins.

So there you have it… update to 1.0.2 now and stay tuned to this site to learn about future updates. Or wait for Palm to force feed you! Oh yeah and just a reminder… even though it says it on the screen while updating I feel i should emphasize:

Never remove your battery during an update as it may permanently damage your phone.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!