Click bait headline strikes again!
Its all leaks and teasers, plus I believe that the source link completely misinterpreted the leak on purpose.
The "always online" part is in the second paragraph, now please read it carefully. Compare the wording with Microsoft's wording here:
"In Windows 8, Microsoft introduces Connected Standby - a new power state that enables compatible PCs to be always reachable and up-to-date. This session will provide an overview of Connected Standby, including key user scenarios, system architecture and technical requirements. "
The idea is simple, its connected standby on xbox. What is connected standby? it like how your phone can still receive messages and call when it is asleep. It is a "hibernation" mode for your computer, phone, tablet, or xbox that allows is to sleep while staying connected to the network.
If you read the leak carefully, you will see that it is probably 99.9% describing connected standby. It makes no mention to "forced xbox live subscription" or anything like that at all. I repeat, if you actually read the leak, it makes NO MENTION of anything that even sounds like Microsoft is forcing you to buy xbox live gold.
PS: if you want to know more about connected standby, watch this video:
http://channel9.msdn.com/events/BUILD/BUILD2011/HW-456T