Toshiba has started to catch up with Samsung with the introduction of a 3-bit Solid State Drive (SSD). Toshiba has released a TLC-based SSD in which 3-bit information can be written in one cell at the 2014 Flash Memory Summit.

SSD products based on TLC have a low production costs but they also have a have a shorter life span and lower stability compared to those using Multi Level Cells (MLCs). However, the situation changed once Toshiba;s rival Samsung Electronics started to increase the sales of SSD products equipped with TLC.

SK Hynix, which just entered the SSD market recently, is also trying to develop TLC and 3D NAND Flash. SK Hynix is planning to complete development of TLC and 3D NAND by the third quarter this year.

Toshiba and Micron will be able to start the mass production of 3D NAND next year.