The Google Maps API introduces styling of maps, like most people know when using OpenLayers (via SLDs) or OpenStreetMap (where you can create your own style, and share it with others). Google Maps styling is done in Javascript, as an extra option when creating the map. So there is no sharing option, and it’s not based on the SLD-standard, but I still think it’s a nice addition. Sometimes you don’t need the full color map, since it can distract from what you are showing.
Read more about the styling here.
You do need to set the visualRefresh to true, this will be the default in Google Maps API 3.14 and above.
google.maps.visualRefresh = true;