Microsoft will have a big day ahead as it prepares for the Build 2011 developer conference, running Sept. 13-16 in Anaheim, California.  The event will showcase Microsoft’s latest version of its operating system—Windows 8.  The new OS is Microsoft’s latest bet in the ever-growing mobile industry, which is currently dominated by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

In fact, Windows 8 is going to be tablet-centric software, which borrows a lot of Windows Phone 7’s “Metro” style interface.

Due sometime in 2012, the latest Windows—codenamed Windows 8, although that could change by final release—is meant to not only reaffirm Microsoft’s hold on the traditional operating system market but also build inroads into the tablet and mobility sector currently dominated by Apple’s iPad.

In theory, Windows 8 will accomplish these goals by offering a tablet-centric interface—defined by bright tiles reminiscent of Microsoft’s Windows Phone—alongside the traditional desktop experience, with a supposedly seamless transition between the two environments.

Speaking of tablets, rumors has it that Microsoft is also going to announce a tablet made by Samsung.  Although Windows 8 originally runs on ARM chips, the rumored prototype tablets will initially have Intel chips, a big coupe for Intel as it faces a major transition amongst consumer electronics as well.

Other features of Windows 8 includes faster boot-up, support for USB 3.0, and a new design of the Windows Explorer, which was heavily criticized for its “ribbon” style.

In other related developments, Microsoft is boosting its plan for mobile ads with its update of Atlas, a display advertising tool. With the recent move, the software giant is trying to keep up with Facebook, Yahoo!, and Google in mobile advertising. Microsoft is also reportedly extending its contract with Twitter for another two years.

The upcoming event from Microsoft will reveal a lot of its plans for the future ahead. The Redmond, Washington-based company is still lagging behind Apple and Android when it comes to market share in the mobile industry. Let’s see if Windows 8 ups the ante.