Intel Announced 3-bits MLC Memory Chips

Intel and its long time partner Micron announced to have successfully produced the first prototypes of memory chips able to store 3 bits per cell, instead of 2. They are not the first ones to succeed in such challenge that will offer 50% more storage without much investment. 
Such chips will be dedicated to USB cards and keys, but there specifications are not high enough to be used in SSDs. Indeed, the more bits per cell you have the shorter the life time as well as the number of writing cycles will be. Within couple of years, things might evolve and it might be possible to use such X3 or even X4 chips in SSD. It will most likely be the time when plater-based HD will start decaying.