Microsoft has a big event scheduled for later today, Sept. 23, where it should officially unveil its Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets.

The company turned to hardware last year, when it took everyone by surprise (especially its hardware partners) by launching its own-brand tablets. The Surface RT and Surface Pro raised some interest at first, but failed to see the success Microsoft likely hoped for.

In just a few hours, however, Microsoft is expected to take the wraps off its next-generation Surface tablets running its Windows operating system. The imminent Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 have starred in numerous leaks in anticipation of the big event, painting a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

The Windows RT OS was not exactly well-received by consumers, but Microsoft is apparently not ready to give up on it just yet. The upcoming Surface 2 will still run Windows RT, albeit an updated version. Consumers were generally put off by this version of the OS because Windows RT could not run normal Windows software. Long story short, it proved to be an epic failure that cost Microsoft about $900 million.

While the next-generation Windows RT tablet, Surface 2, will still run the dreaded OS, it will reportedly sport a Full HD screen this time, the same one the company used for the Surface Pro last year. The tablet is expected to pack an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, but otherwise it will reportedly look identical to the original Surface RT.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2, meanwhile, will reportedly run full Windows 8.1 OS and pack the latest Intel Core i5 Haswell chips. The tablet will also boast front- and rear-facing cameras, both 720p. The new-generation Surface Pro will should also boast an expanded battery life of roughly 7 hours due to the battery-saving features of the new Haswell chip.

Microsoft is also expected to unveil some new peripherals at the event as well. Rumors point to a dock for the two new tablets, which would increase USB options. The company may also introduce a new keyboard called the Surface Power Cover. The peripherals for last year's Surface tablets should work with the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 as well, but Microsoft has not confirmed it yet.

With the big event just hours away, however, it will all become official soon enough. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.